$900M+ FITZROY TO GLADSTONE PIPELINE APPROVED

The Queensland Government has approved the $983 million Fitzroy to Gladstone pipeline project, which is expected to provide water security to the Gladstone region.

The 117km pipeline will run from the Lower Fitzroy River in Rockhampton and connect to Gladstone Area Water Board’s existing water network at Yarwun.

The project is crucial for supporting the existing industries that generate $6 billion in gross regional product every year and these activities depend on significant quantities of water now and into the future.

400 local jobs will be supported during the project’s construction and it is due to be completed in 2026.

Queensland Premier, Annastacia Palaszczuk, said the Government is committed to building the infrastructure Queensland needs to support good jobs in new industries during the clean energy industrial revolution.

“Nearly $1 billion has been committed to this important project, which guarantees water security and sends a powerful signal to the hydrogen sector that Queensland is the place to be for clean energy,” Ms Palaszczuk said.

“Gladstone will be the engine room when it comes to delivering our landmark Queensland Energy and Jobs Plan – that means good secure jobs now, and into the future.”

The infrastructure approval also aligns with recommendations made in the Bradfield Report, commissioned by the State Government and prepared by the expert Bradfield Regional Assessment and Development Panel.

Hydrogen proponents under development with future water requirements include:

• Fortescue Future Industries hydrogen electrolyser manufacturing facility

• Mitsubishi Gas’s proposal for a hydrogen to green methanol plant

• Stanwell/Iwatani Central Queensland Hydrogen Project

• Orica and H2U’s proposed green ammonia plant

• Rio Tinto and Sumitomo’s proposed hydrogen plant

Queensland Treasurer and Minister for Trade and Investment, Cameron Dick, said, “The Government’s contribution towards this vital infrastructure for Central Queensland is the first investment from our new progressive coal royalty tiers.

“This revenue was generated in Central Queensland and as we promised, it will be invested in regional Queensland.”

Queensland Water Minister and Member for Gladstone, Glenn Butcher, said the Gladstone pipeline project will support the emerging hydrogen and renewables sector that is set to expand in Gladstone, with several companies expressing interest in coming to the region.

“The Bradfield panel recommended investing in the use of water closer to where it falls as well as developing Regional Water Grids, and this is exactly what we are doing,” Mr Butcher said.

“The Fitzroy to Gladstone Pipeline is clear evidence the Palaszczuk Government is serious about listening to experts and taking action to ensure water security in Queensland.

“This pipeline will also allow Gladstone to access their water allocation from Rookwood Weir, which we know means security in good jobs and the delivery of safe and reliable water services to enhance the liveability of our region.”

Gladstone Area Water Board was appointed by the State Government in August 2021 to deliver pre-construction activities for the pipeline, which included undertaking procurement activities, addressing land access arrangements and determining long lead time items to ensure construction readiness for the pipeline.

Gladstone Area Water Board CEO, Darren Barlow, said the project is pivotal in securing water for Gladstone’s industry and will support the hydrogen and renewables industry, as well as help sustain the Queensland economy and provide jobs.

“As the Delivery Authority for the project, we look forward to partnering with local suppliers to deliver tangible benefits to the Gladstone region such as jobs, supply contracts and local capability raising,” Mr Barlow said.