Water infrastructure development in the Burnett region of Queensland, Australia, has moved forward with the award of a major design contract for the proposed Cooranga Weir.
On behalf of the Government of Queensland, Sunwater has appointed Stantec to undertake detailed design for Cooranga Weir. The project involves a new structure on the Boyne River, south of Mundubbera in the North Burnett, designed to secure 2,500 megalitres (ML) of additional storage within the Boyne River and Tarong Water Supply Scheme.
The proposed weir, approximately nine metres high and 180 metres wide, is intended to improve the reliability of existing Medium Priority allocations and reinforce long-term water availability for irrigators. Planning and on-site investigations are underway to inform engineering solutions, environmental approvals and cost estimates.
In parallel, the Barlil Weir Project will see a new 1,500 ML weir constructed on Barambah Creek, northwest of Murgon in the South Burnett. The project falls within the Barker Barambah Water Supply Scheme and is similarly aimed at strengthening regional supply security and supporting agricultural productivity.
Both initiatives form part of the government’s Watertight Water Security Plan and are identified as priority deliverables. The 2025–26 State Budget allocates AUD 29.7 million to Sunwater to advance planning and design activities for the two projects.
Subject to approvals and investment decisions, construction of the weirs is targeted to begin by March 2027, with practical completion anticipated by August 2028, depending on weather and site conditions. Design options and cost estimates for each project are scheduled to be submitted separately to the Queensland Government in 2026 to inform final funding decisions.
