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ACCIONA was announced as the winner of the prestigious 2024 Australian Construction Achievement Award for the innovative and sustainable aspects incorporated into the weir.
ACCIONA - along with its Rookwood Weir Alliance consortium partners - McCosker Contracting, GHD and the client Sunwater - has received the 2024 Australian Construction Achievement Award, granted by the Australian Constructors Association and Engineers Australia, thanks to the Rookwood Weir project. This represents a significant recognition that not only highlights excellence in construction but also acknowledges the incorporated innovations that contribute to a more sustainable industry.
The weir, which has become a benchmark as the first in Australia and New Zealand to obtain sustainable infrastructure certification, stands out for incorporating innovations at every stage of the project: planning, design, and execution. Among the most notable features are a fish lock and world-class turtle passage, both of which will minimize the impact on the mobility of 37 fish species and up to 6 turtle species. Additionally, sustainable concrete usage has extended the infrastructure’s lifespan, facilitated waste reuse, and reduced CO2 emissions.
ABOUT THE PROJECT
The weir has a maximum height exceeding 16 meters and a length of 350 meters. It is divided into different design components: the left bank abutment, central concrete blocks (monoliths) for the spillway, the fish lock, and the right bank abutment.
Its purpose is to increase water storage capacity and other assets in the Fitzroy River, providing high and medium reliability water to meet the agricultural, urban, and industrial needs of the region. The construction of this dam aims to enhance regional economic development by creating new opportunities for intensive agriculture in the area while ensuring water security.