At first glance, a series of unassuming concrete slides beside the Rookwood Weir near Rockhampton in central Queensland might not strike one as a marvel of engineering. Yet, this modest structure plays a vital role in a groundbreaking national initiative aimed at harmonizing environmental preservation with industrial development.
Designed as a turtle bypass, or ladder, the slides facilitate safe passage for several species of aquatic reptiles, including two critically endangered ones the Fitzroy River turtle and the white-throated snapping turtle. Sunwater’s executive general manager of operations, Colin Bendall, highlighted the uniqueness of the project, describing it as an Australian first.
“This is a substantial structure created to allow turtles to navigate around a sizeable barrier in the river,” Bendall explained. The design features include resting pools positioned between the ramps, offering turtles a refuge during their crossing. Shade and protective elements are incorporated to shield these vulnerable creatures from predators, ensuring their safe movement across the barrier.
Stretching over 172 metres, the slopes are inclined at a 45-degree angle and surfaced with textured aggregate to assist the turtles in climbing. What might appear as simple concrete slides are, in fact, a pioneering effort to integrate ecological considerations into infrastructure, embodying a forward-thinking approach to conservation amid ongoing development.
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