Projects

Fitzroy Industry and Infrastructure Study

The Fitzroy Industry and Infrastructure Study (FIIS) was initiated to facilitate major industry development in the Rockhampton—Fitzroy area by planning for the infrastructure needs of strategic development opportunities.

The FIIS is driven and funded by the Project Partners which include:

  • The Queensland Government (a partnership between the Department of Infrastructure and Planning, Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries and the Department of Tourism, Regional Development and Industry)
  • Rockhampton City Council
  • Fitzroy Shire Council
  • Livingstone Shire Council
  • Rockhampton Regional Development Limited
  • The Stanwell Corporation.

Additional information on the Fitzroy Industry and Infrastructure Study (PDF icon 24 KB) is available.

Development scenario

The investigations undertaken have identified opportunities for development of the Stanwell Gracemere Industrial Corridor and the Fitzroy Agricultural Corridor.

Development in the Industrial Corridor (from Stanwell to Gracemere) is focused on heavy, energy intensive industry within the Stanwell Energy Park. Other manufacturing industry (such as stockfeed manufacture) and industry providing support services for the coal mining industries would take place in the areas adjacent to the Energy Park.

Development in the Agricultural Corridor is focused on intensive livestock industries such as cattle feedlots and piggeries, increasing supply for meat processing plants located in the region, increasing job opportunities and exporting higher value products. Some horticultural developments are also expected. This area extends from near Gogango to Ridgelands.

Key points

  • The government will not compulsorily acquire land for this development. Normal market forces will dictate if the development occurs.
  • The FIIS investigations will not override normal regulatory requirements for intensive livestock industries. Planning approvals for a change of land use (under the Integrated Planning Act 1997), as well as approval under the Environmental Protection Act 1994 will still be required.
  • The development areas identified in the FIIS are those areas which have been found to be most suitable for feedlot development. Properties outside the identified areas may still be developed for such activities as long as the necessary approvals can be obtained.
  • The Agricultural Corridor is not a justification for the proposed raising of the Eden Bann weir and the building of the Rookwood weir. The weir developments were recommended under the Central Queensland Water Supply Strategy to service the future urban and industry water demands of Rockhampton. Gladstone and the Capricorn Coast. While the proposed Agricultural Corridor would benefit from the weir developments they are separate proposals. Water used by agriculture will have to be purchased on a commercial basis.

Map

The agricultural corridors defined on the concept map are indicative only. They include the broad areas within which preliminary studies have identified land considered to be suitable for more intensive agricultural development. The indicative areas are based on desk top research. Any proposed development would have to be ground proofed in the proposed areas.

Fitzroy concept map (PDF icon 82 KB)

Public consultation

The Government sought feedback on the proposed development scenarios from the local community and industry. The consultation period closed on 8 June 2007. Consultation was focused on the proposed Agricultural Corridor and the development of intensive livestock and horticultural activities in areas from near Gogango to Ridgelands. The Stanwell/Gracemere Industrial Corridor had been consulted on in 2002 as part of the development control plan accepted by the Fitzroy Shire Council.

Resources

Information sheets are available on a range of topics which you may like more information on. Please refer to the topics below:

Further information

For further information contact the Infrastructure and Economic Development Group and address your enquiry to the Fitzroy Industry and Infrastructure Study Project.