THE Rookwood Weir project has hit another significant milestone, with the completion of the Riverslea bridge on Riverslea Road at Gogango.
The $12.5 million structure at Riverslea is the third road upgrade delivered as part of the $367.2 million Rookwood Weir project.
The structure replaces a crossing at the Fitzroy river, which would otherwise be inundated when the Rookwood Weir reaches full water supply.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Michael McCormack said the Rookwood Weir will significantly increase water security for Central Queensland.
"The Rookwood Weir is a great example of the Australian Government delivering the water infrastructure that will form the National Water Grid, our $3.5 billion investment to secure Australia's water future,": Mr McCormack said.
The Rookwood Weir was a vital project for Central Queensland, which is slated to supply 86,000 megalitres of water to the region, giving farmers the greater opportunity to expand their businesses.
Queensland Minister for Regional Development and Manufacturing and Minister for Water Glenn Butcher was at the bridge at the officially opening to hand its ownership over to Rockhampton Regional Council.
"The completion of the bridge is yet another milestone for a project that is supporting 200 jobs for Queenslanders - 140 of which are going to local workers," Mr Butcher said.
"Rookwood Weir is transformational water infrastructure that will underpin agricultural growth and supply industrial and urban water in Central Queensland."
"It will also provide access to high priority water for the Rockhampton, Yeppoon and Gladstone communities."
Member for Rockhampton Barry O'Rourke said the Riverslea Bridge project provided jobs for more than 30 Central Queenslanders, while concrete for the bridge was sourced from AMCOR, a Gracemere-based contractor.
"Two road upgrades - Thirsty Creek Road and the Gogango Intersection - were completed last year for a further $9.7 million and an additional 61 jobs," Mr O'Rourke said.
Federal Member for Capricornia Michelle Landry said it is great to see work continue to ramp-up at the Rookwood Weir site with benefits flowing to the local community.
"I have fought hard for the local community to ensure we maximise the capacity of the weir which will flow on to local farmers to boost agricultural output in the area." Ms Landry said.
Rockhampton Regional Council Mayor Tony Williams welcomed the construction of the bridge.
"The previous crossing could go under water for weeks at a time during the wet season - forcing residents to cross the river by boat," Mr Williams said.
"The new bridge is already providing safety benefits for the community, allowing families to get their kids to school and quicker trips to nearby towns."
The works also included the construction of 300 metres of new road connecting the approaches to the bridge, as well as passing bays at both ends.
Sunwater Chief Executive Officer Glenn Stockton said the structure was redesigned last year to minimise environmental impacts.
"The team came up with a solution that involved reducing riverbank earthworks to improve river flow. We are pleased to have delivered the bridge upgrade works on time and in a way that provides immediate benefit to the community." Mr Stockton said.
The first water from Rookwood Weir will be available in 2023.