The Fitzroy to Gladstone Pipeline (FGP) is a $983 million project designed to address the single source water supply risk from Awoonga Dam and ensure long-term water security for Gladstone Area Water Board’s (GAWB) customers. The 117-kilometre pipeline will run from the Lower Fitzroy River in Rockhampton and connect to GAWB’s existing water network at Yarwun. The pipeline includes a water treatment plant, reservoirs, and pumping stations at various locations along its alignment, including Laurel Bank, Alton Downs, and Aldoga.
Project Challenge
The challenge was to provide water security and reliability for the Gladstone community, ensuring the continued operations of Gladstone’s industry and contributing to the growth of the Queensland economy. The project also aimed to create more than 400 jobs at the peak of construction, 25 apprenticeships and traineeships, and provide 10,000 hours of training to the delivery team.
Boral's Solution
A Boral team recently came together to support Central Queensland’s long-term water security through their involvement in the FGP. The team of additional Drivers, Batchers in Charge, and Area Managers from Cairns, Townsville, Mackay, Rockhampton, and Agnes Waters collaborated to support the Gladstone team in delivering more than 100 truckloads of concrete from batching plants in Gladstone and Calliope over two twelve-hour days. The 1,500 cubic metres of concrete was poured to create the base for one of two water reservoirs at Aldoga, 20km north-west of Gladstone.
With Queensland’s heat and distances to contend with, the team had to work together to efficiently manage the supply chain, coordinating powder deliveries out of Brisbane, sand from Rockhampton, local aggregate, and more. The pour was delivered safely and without disruption, and the customer, the McConnell Dowell BMD Joint Venture, was extremely satisfied.
Paul Blake, Operations Manager Country Queensland North, said, "It was the most satisfying feeling being there and seeing our Country Concrete team deliver such a great outcome for this important community project. And the best thing is we get to do it all again for the base of the second reservoir."
Project Outcomes
The FGP will provide long-term water security for the Gladstone community. Once complete, the 117km pipeline will stretch from the Lower Fitzroy River in Rockhampton, connecting to GAWB’s existing water network at Yarwun and addressing the single source water supply risk from Awoonga Dam. The pipeline will have the capacity to transport 30 gigalitres per annum from the Fitzroy River to Gladstone, supporting the growth of Queensland’s renewables sector.
Concrete Area Manager, Craig Rutherford, said, “Being an integral supplier to the FGP is yet another opportunity for us to support the Gladstone economy and help cement Gladstone’s water security.”
Conclusion
The Fitzroy to Gladstone Pipeline represents a significant step forward in ensuring long-term water security for the Gladstone community. Boral's contribution to this project underscores our commitment to building a sustainable future through innovative construction materials and solutions. Together, we are building something great.
