Fitzroy River Barrage Funding Dispute Brews in Central Queensland
A significant dispute has emerged in central Queensland concerning the funding model for the Fitzroy River Barrage, pitting local irrigators against major water users Stanwell Power Station and the Gladstone Area Water Board (GAWB). Approximately 70 irrigators, including macadamia farmer Henrik Christiansen, contend that while they rely on water pumped from the barrage, Stanwell and GAWB utilize the water system without contributing to its essential operational and maintenance costs.
Irrigators allege they bear 100% of the barrage's upkeep, maintenance, operational expenses, and improvements, despite using only about 49% of the water within the system.
The Heart of the Matter: Barrage Background and Irrigators' Claims
Built in 1970, the Fitzroy River Barrage is owned and operated by the Rockhampton Regional Council. The barrage is valued at $40 million, with a replacement cost estimated at $100 million. To address its needs, an additional $15 million over five years is required for improvements and maintenance, prompting the council to increase water charges by approximately 20%.
Irrigators assert that the barrage is absolutely critical for the operations of Stanwell Power Station and GAWB's facilities. They argue it is essential for maintaining river levels necessary for pumping and, crucially, for preventing tidal seawater from contaminating vital freshwater supplies. Stanwell Power Station has reportedly drawn water from the barrage for 32 years, while GAWB's newly constructed 117km pipeline to Gladstone is nearing full operational capacity.
Key Players State Their Case
The involved parties have outlined their respective positions on the funding issue:
Stanwell Power Station
A statement from Stanwell indicated that the company funds the majority of maintenance and infrastructure costs for the Eden Bann Weir, from which it sources water via Sunwater. Stanwell explicitly stated it is not responsible for barrage costs because its water is purchased from Sunwater.
Sunwater
Sunwater confirmed its role in releasing water from both the Eden Bann Weir and Rookwood Weir, specifically for Stanwell Power Station and GAWB's operations. Sunwater clarified that this released water is "not stored in the barrage." The organization also noted that water releases from these weirs do maintain supply levels in the barrage, benefiting Fitzroy River Water customers, and that such releases would still be necessary to meet downstream needs even without the barrage in place.
Gladstone Area Water Board (GAWB)
Chief executive Darren Barlow rejected the irrigators' assertions. Barlow stated that GAWB does not utilize the barrage for ponding, water storage, distribution, or its general operations. He explained that GAWB uses Rookwood Weir for storage and draws water at its pump station, which is located 6km upstream of the barrage. Barlow added that any water not drawn at their pump station would naturally benefit downstream users.
Path Forward: Meeting Scheduled to Address Commercial Arrangements
A meeting has been scheduled to address the complex issues, bringing together representatives for the irrigators, Sunwater, GAWB, Stanwell Power Station, and the Rockhampton Regional Council. A spokesperson for the Minister for Local Government and Water, Ann Leah, confirmed the meeting, attributing the existing commercial arrangements to a former government. Rockhampton Mayor Tony Williams stated the council is actively collaborating with the state government to achieve a positive outcome for the council, local irrigators, and the broader region.