First pipe arrival for Fitzroy to Gladstone Pipeline

The Fitzroy to Gladstone Pipeline (FGP) celebrated a major milestone with the successful delivery of the first pipe to Rockhampton last month, signalling that preparations are well underway for start of construction. The milestone marks the first significant achievement for the $983 million infrastructure project.

The Fitzroy to Gladstone Pipeline is being delivered as a 50/50 joint venture between BMD Constructions and McConnell Dowell (MBJV) for the Gladstone Area Water Board and the Queensland Government. The pipeline will provide a reliable and sustainable water supply, contributing to the economic prosperity of the Gladstone region.

To commemorate the major project milestone, Gladstone Area Water Board’s Chief Executive Officer, Darren Barlow, the Minister for Regional Development and Manufacturing, Minister for Water, and Member for Gladstone, Glenn Butcher, Member for Rockhampton, Barry O’Rourke, Jim Frith, McConnell Dowell Managing Director, and BMD’s Executive General Manager - Constructions, Jeff Gallus, and various guests gathered at the Gracemere pipe laydown site to mark the delivery of the inaugural pipe, signifying that preparations are well underway in preparation for the start of construction.

BMD Executive General Manager - Constructions Jeff Gallus said, "We are thrilled to celebrate the delivery of the first pipes to Rockhampton, marking a significant milestone in the 117-kilometre Fitzroy to Gladstone Pipeline."

"This project is our largest in the water sector to date, and we are proud to be completing this in Central Queensland, where we have operated for almost 30 years," Mr Gallus said.

Gladstone Area Water Board’s Chief Executive Officer, Darren Barlow, said the arrival of the first pipe signals an exciting investment into the economic prosperity of Central Queensland.

“This is a significant milestone for the delivery of the Fitzroy to Gladstone Pipeline and is a great opportunity to ensure that this project is on Central Queenslander’s radars,” Mr Barlow said.

The McConnell Dowell BMD Joint Venture team has spent the last three months meeting with landholders, procuring equipment and materials, and starting works at the Gracemere laydown area and workers camp to gear up for start of major construction in August this year.

The new pipeline is scheduled to be completed in 2026.