More than 100 truckloads of concrete have been poured to create the base for the first of two water storage reservoirs as the Fitzroy to Gladstone Pipeline (FGP) continues to take shape.
This important work required 1500m3 of concrete, using two batching plants located in Gladstone and Calliope, operating over two 12-hour days. Local workers ensured the success of the pour, which was coordinated by FGP Principal contractor McConnell Dowell BMD Group Joint Venture (MBJV).
Once constructed, each reservoir will be 76m in diameter (wider than the wingspan of a Boeing 737), 12m high (equal to the height of a three-story building) and will have the capacity to store 50ML of water. Combined, the reservoirs will hold a maximum of 100ML (equal to 20 Olympic sized swimming pools).
The $983 million FGP project will provide a second source of water for Gladstone, assist in addressing the water supply risk from Awoonga Dam and enable long-term water security for Gladstone Area Water Board (GAWB) customers.
The FGP team said it is committed to creating a lasting legacy in the Central Queensland region.
To help achieve this, GAWB and MBJV committed to a local spend target of $90 million in Gladstone and Rockhampton.
As of the end of August 2024, the target was exceeded with more than $114 million spent within the Gladstone and Rockhampton region, and a further $149 million spent within Queensland.
GAWB CEO, Darren Barlow, said the pouring of the first of two bases for these enormous water storing reservoirs is a mammoth task.
“And that we were able to mobilise local batching plants and workers is something we pride ourselves on,” Mr Barlow said.
“I am delighted the FGP has exceeded its local spend target. GAWB and MBJV have spent considerable time and effort engaging with businesses, suppliers and sub-contractors in the region to achieve this success.
“But we are not resting on our laurels. We are continuing to engage the communities in which we operate.
“In mid-September, our Chief Operating Officer – FGP, Hugh Barbour, presented at the Capricorn Enterprise Major Projects Forum in Rockhampton.
“Next month he will be presenting at the Gladstone Engineering Alliance Major Industry,
Energy and Manufacturing Conference in Gladstone to provide an update on the FGP and to outline future opportunities to work with GAWB,” Mr Barlow said.
Boral Concrete Area Manager, Craig Rutherford, said Boral is a long-standing supplier of concrete throughout the Gladstone and Rockhampton regions.
“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”, said Mr Rutherford.
The project is on track for completion in 2026.
Featured image: Gladstone Area Water Board
