National Water Week is an opportunity to reflect on the importance of securing safe and reliable water for our communities, industries and the environment.
For Gladstone, water security is a critical issue. The region relies heavily on a single source of supply from Awoonga Dam. That reliance is being tested, with Awoonga Dam sitting below 45% capacity. Without action, Gladstone would be planning for water restrictions.
The $983 million Queensland Government-funded Fitzroy to Gladstone Pipeline (FGP) is part of the solution. Owned and operated by Gladstone Area Water Board (GAWB), the 117-kilometre pipeline will connect the Fitzroy River to Gladstone’s water network, creating a second source of supply.
Construction is progressing strongly, with completion scheduled for 2026. The project has also delivered significant benefits for the local economy, with more than $150 million spent with businesses in Gladstone and Rockhampton to date.
GAWB Chief Executive Officer Darren Barlow said the FGP is essential for Gladstone’s future.
“Without the Fitzroy to Gladstone Pipeline, our community would soon be facing water restrictions. This pipeline ensures we can keep supplying water to households, businesses and industries,” Mr Barlow said.
“Every litre of water supplied from the Fitzroy River is a litre saved in Awoonga Dam. That means we are preserving our existing storage while building resilience for the entire region.”
The Fitzroy to Gladstone Pipeline will deliver long-term water security for Gladstone.
National Water Week serves as a timely reminder that water is our most precious resource.
The Fitzroy to Gladstone Pipeline is securing that resource for Gladstone, protecting liveability, supporting jobs, and ensuring the region has the reliable water it needs to thrive well into the future.