$1.3bn funding committed to fast track delivery of CopperString 2032

The Queensland Government is committing $1.3 billion to fast track the development of CopperString 2032 – Australia’s largest transmission project – and get major construction going by mid-2024. 

This significant funding will enable Powerlink and its construction partners, CIMIC Group companies UGL and CPB Contractors, to undertake detailed design as well as engineering and environmental assessments. 

“This is a significant step forward to allow Powerlink to get started on this game-changing project. 

“CopperString 2032 is the largest ever economic development project in North Queensland, and the largest expansion to the power grid in Australia. 

“We are proud to invest in this historic project, which will connect $500 billion in critical minerals with the largest renewable energy zone on the east coast of Australia unlocking the next mining boom and jobs across the North West Minerals Province and North Queensland. 

“I am excited about the progress we have made so far in planning and designing this project. This funding allows the project to move into the construction phase,” Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said. 

The project team will be calling for response to tenders from local North Queensland companies for these works. 

The more than one-billion-dollar investment will also secure the easements for the project as well as help establish 100 permanent project jobs, procurement of transmission equipment, delivery of all site investigations and advancement of site development works such as camps and access works. 

“This is a landmark investment in the future of North and North West Queensland, delivering jobs, growth and innovation for the region. 

“We are backing this project because we believe in the vision and the value it will create for North Queenslanders, now and for decades to come,” Treasurer Cameron Dick said. 

The announcement of this funding commitment follows the release of about 40 work packages that are designed to maximise opportunities for local businesses and communities to participate in the delivery of the $5 billion CopperString 2032 project. You can read more about the work packages here. 

The CopperString 2032 project will deliver an 840-kilometre electricity transmission line from just south of Townsville to Mount Isa and an additional 200-kilometre transmission line that will connect new renewable generators to CopperString. 

“Building this landmark infrastructure should be done the same way we built the stadium – by North Queenslanders, for North Queenslanders. 

“Every element of this project will be delivered in compliance with our Buy Queensland procurement policy, ensuring as much of this investment circulates throughout North Queensland, building an even more resilient economy,” Minister for Resources and Townsville MP Scott Stewart said. 

The overall scope of CopperString 2032 includes: 

• 500kV transmission line from just south of Townsville to Hughenden 
• 330kV transmission line from Hughenden to Cloncurry 
• 220kV transmission line from Cloncurry to Mount Isa 
• Up to six new substation sites 
• Access tracks and roads to the new substation and transmission line structures, as required 
• Laydown and taging areas 
• Site offices 
• Accommodation camps 
• Temporary works required to support construction 
• Labour hire 

“This funding is a cital step to get the necessary planning, design and environmental approvals underway on the project. 

“We also want to see the people of North and North West Queensland get involved in this project, as it is a project that will shape their region for generations to come. 

“We look forward to working closely with our construction partners, local suppliers and communities to make this project a reality and delivery long-term benefits for North Queensland,” Powerlink Chief Executive Paul Simshouser said. 

In addition, the CopperString 2032 project will also provide infrastructure to connect the North West to super-fast internet speeds and early works on this project will commence immediately. By next year, communities along Flinders Highway will get early access to super-fast broadband. 

The $5 billion transmission line project is estimated to support more than 800 direct jobs during its construction phase, with ongoing jobs to be generated during its operation and maintenance. 

Construction on CopperString 2032 is due to be completed by 2029. 

“CopperString 2032 brings with it a huge pipeline of jobs and business opportunities. 

“We are powering ahead with this transformational project, to the benefit of North Queenslanders,” Mundingburra MP Les Walker said. 

“I’m proud to be part of the Palaszczuk Government that is delivering for the city which is going from strength to strength. 

“Only the Palaszczuk Government is investing in the critical infrastructure that will power future generations of jobs in our region,” Thuringowa MP Aaron Harper said. 

Source: Queensland Government – Media Statements; Powerlink (1, 2); Infrastructure Magazine; ICN Gateway