Sunwater has appointed Stantec to deliver the design for the proposed Cooranga Weir in Queensland’s Burnett region, marking a new phase in plans to increase water storage and improve supply reliability for irrigators.
The weir, to be built on the Boyne River downstream of Boondooma Dam, is designed to store 2,500 megalitres. A separate project, Barlil Weir, is also in planning and would provide an additional 1,500 megalitres of storage on Barambah Creek near Murgon.
According to the Queensland Government, the projects form part of its Watertight Water Security Plan for the region.
Minister for Finance, Trade, Employment and Training Ros Bates said the award of the design contract demonstrated the government’s approach to infrastructure investment.
“We are focused on making sure public money is invested carefully and in projects that support real jobs and long-term growth,” Minister Bates said.
“We said we would back regional Queensland, and by building the right infrastructure so regional industries can expand with confidence, we are getting on with it.”
Minister for Local Government and Water Ann Leahy said the project would strengthen supply reliability for agriculture.
“We are continuing to deliver on our commitment to increase water security for our rural and regional communities,” Minister Leahy said.
“The design work will ensure we build a great asset that will provide certainty for irrigators for decades to come and ensure a sustainable plan for Queensland’s future.”
Assistant Minister for Regional Development and Member for Callide Bryson Head said the project responded to long-standing calls from the local community.
“The people of Callide have been waiting for a government that understands and supports the important work of our farmers and local businesses,” Assistant Minister Head said.
Sunwater CEO Glenn Stockton said the design phase would support 15 Queensland-based engineering specialists and is expected to be completed in early 2027.
“This work will include the required engineering designs, drawings, and construction support to build the 9m high and 180m-wide weir,” Mr Stockton said.
“Work is also underway on a range of on-site investigations, planning and environmental approvals to enable construction of the weirs.”
On-site investigations are under way alongside planning and environmental approval processes. Upcoming stages will focus on procurement activities and early works planning.
Sunwater will present design options and cost estimates for Cooranga Weir and Barlil Weir separately to the Queensland Government in 2026 to inform a final investment decision.
