The largest weir built in Australia since World War II has been completed, capturing enough water to fill more than 34,000 Olympic swimming pools.
Rookwood Weir in central Queensland will yield 86,000 megalitres of the precious resource annually after local protests led to additional funding to raise its height and capacity.
More money was delivered in 2021 after local Federal MP Michelle Landry led calls from farmers and agriculture workers to build the weir to full capacity, instead of the 54,000 megalitre project initially proposed.
Almost three years after construction began, the $568.9 million project located near Rockhampton was unveiled on Wednesday.
The landmark project will capture water from the Fitzroy River for agricultural, industrial and urban use across the region.
More than 36,000 megalitres of water from the weir has already been allocated for agricultural use.
Federal Water and Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek said the project delivered both water security and protection for vulnerable species.
"Land that has previously been used for grazing can be used for higher intensity purposes like macadamia farming, creating jobs and really putting that water to good use creating wealth for central Queensland," she said.
"The work that's been done here to protect nature is also really important.
"We've got a unique turtle passage here, we've got a fish passage that will help 31 species of native fish survive and thrive."
A water allocation from the weir has also been provided in perpetuity to traditional custodians the Darumbal people to support ongoing cultural and economic development opportunities.
Days after vowing not to co-operate with the Commonwealth's proposed infrastructure cuts, Queensland Treasurer Cameron Dick said the weir was a perfect example of state-federal collaboration.
The weir would provide roughly $3.5 billion in additional agriculture value to the region over the next two decades, he said.
"Our argument is with the federal infrastructure minister, so we will continue to seek for Queensland what we see is our fair share," Mr Dick said.
"But when we work together, we deliver great projects like this."
The Queensland and federal governments combined with state-owned company Sunwater to fund development of the project which provided 350 jobs.
The water is expected to be available next year.
Meanwhile, National Party Leader David Littleproud called on the state government and Andrew "Twiggy" Forrest's Fortescue to reveal how much of the weir's water would be used for a nearby proposed hydrogen project.
Mr Littleproud said Fortescue had reportedly signed off on a 50 megawatt green hydrogen project at Gladstone that would potentially put up to 20,000 megalitres of agricultural water at risk.
The state government must explain what Fortescue was planning to do with the weir's water and what the hydrogen project meant for central Queensland's future, he said.
"Removing water to help Twiggy's business ventures will only drive up the cost of living, with less water available for farmers and producers."
