Central Queensland irrigators intensify their campaign for Stanwell Power Station and Gladstone Area Water Board to share costs of the ratepayer-owned Fitzroy River Barrage. Rockhampton Regional Council recently approves a $15 million increase in water charges over five years to upgrade and maintain the infrastructure.
A pivotal meeting involving Sunwater, Gladstone Area Water Board, Stanwell, and irrigators convenes in Rockhampton today to address the dispute.
Irrigators’ Push for Fair Contributions
Seventy irrigators along the lower Fitzroy River, including macadamia farmer Henrik Christiansen, express frustration that Stanwell Power Station and Gladstone Area Water Board draw water from the barrage without contributing to its upkeep.
“They are basically getting a free ride,” Mr. Christiansen states.
The barrage, owned and operated by Rockhampton Regional Council, supports pumping operations. Stanwell sources its allocation from the upstream Eden Bann Weir, while Gladstone Area Water Board draws from Rookwood Weir—both managed by Sunwater.
Council ratepayers and local irrigators consume about 49 percent of the barrage system’s water yet cover 100 percent of maintenance, operations, and improvements, according to Mr. Christiansen. The barrage, valued at $40 million with a $100 million replacement cost, maintains river levels for pumping and prevents tidal seawater intrusion.
Stanwell has utilized the barrage for 32 years, drawing around 20,000 megalitres of high-priority water annually from Eden Bann Weir, located 80 kilometers upstream.
Stakeholders Defend Positions
Stanwell funds most maintenance and infrastructure for Eden Bann Weir under its water supply agreement with Sunwater. A spokesperson clarifies that Stanwell purchases water from Sunwater and bears no responsibility for barrage costs.
Sunwater releases water from both weirs to support Stanwell and Gladstone Area Water Board operations. “Water released from the two weirs also maintains supply levels in the barrage for the benefit of Fitzroy River water customers,” a Sunwater spokesperson explains. “If there was no barrage, Sunwater would still release water from the weirs to downstream pump stations to meet customer needs.”
Gladstone Area Water Board chief executive Darren Barlow rejects the claims, stating the board does not use the barrage for storage, distribution, or operations. It relies on Rookwood Weir for storage and extracts water at its pump station 6 kilometers upstream. Any excess flows downstream, benefiting lower Fitzroy River users. The board’s $1 billion, 117-kilometer pipeline from the barrage to Gladstone nears full operation.
Stakeholders Convene for Resolution
Representatives from irrigators, Sunwater, Gladstone Area Water Board, Stanwell Power Station, and Rockhampton Regional Council meet today. A spokesperson for Minister for Local Government and Water Ann Leah confirms the session aims to resolve these commercial arrangements.
Rockhampton Mayor Tony Williams notes the council collaborates with the state government, seeking positive outcomes for the council, local irrigators, and the region.
