The Fitzroy River Barrage & Fishway upgrade is a significant initiative under Sunwater’s Rookwood Weir Project, focused on enhancing native fish migration and supporting the long-term sustainability of the region’s aquatic ecosystems.
This $7 million project, based in Rockhampton, Queensland, is designed to restore natural migration pathways and facilitate the movement of 31 native fish species within the Lower Fitzroy River system. The fishway will provide 545 hectares of accessible habitat, contributing to the preservation of these species.
AWMA collaborated closely with Sunwater throughout the entire design and planning process. During the preliminary design stages, AWMA’s engineering department worked alongside Sunwater’s team to ensure the integration of innovative, effective, and sustainable water control solutions. This assisted in refining the design concepts, addressing technical challenges and optimising the functionality of the fishway.
AWMA was commissioned to design and manufacture specialised water control gates for the fishway, located on the north side of the Fitzroy River Barrage.
This included a custom-designed Sidewinder Gate for the fishway entrance. The sidewinder was manufactured from grade 2507 super duplex stainless steel, suitable for 3.7m of on and off seating head pressure. Weighing two tonnes and measuring, 1990mm W x 3700mm H, the gate is equipped with a hydraulic cylinder to ensure long-lasting, reliable performance in river conditions.
In addition, AWMA supplied a number of segmented stop logs for the fishway’s entry and exit. The removable stop logs were manufactured from marine-grade aluminium, while the permanently fixed frames were fabricated from stainless steel for enhanced control and durability. AWMA also supplied a self-engaging lifting frame and storage system to facilitate the safe operation and protection of these components, prioritising ease of use and operator safety.
The Fitzroy Barrage Fishway demonstrates Sunwater’s commitment to sustainable infrastructure. AWMA continually working with project partners to develop innovative water control solutions that meet project outcomes and provide environmental benefits while supporting the needs of local communities. This project serves as a vital step toward enhancing environmental sustainability and fostering economic growth in the Fitzroy River region.
