CopperString 2032 powering ahead with construction

The $5 billion CopperString 2032 in Queensland has commenced construction, marking a major milestone for the transmission line project. 

The first leg of construction will deliver the largest workforce accommodation site in Hughenden that will house those charged with building the 840-kilometre high-voltage transmission line. 

ATCO Structures will be undertaking the delivery of the workforce accommodation and facilities, which are due to be completed by early next year. 

With the start of construction on the workforce accommodation, a historic ceremony was held at Hughenden where Powerlink was officially welcomed by Traditional Owners, the Yirendali People. This was the first time in more than 50 years some of the remaining Elders had returned to their Country. 

“CopperString will be calling Hughenden home for the next five years. 

“This is a signifcant milestone for this project marked at a historic ceremony in Hughenden today, and is testament to more than twelve months of hard work to get the project to this stage by the CopperString project team. 

“It was a personal highlight to see the meaning of being back on Country to the Yirendali People, a clear indication that our team are committed to respecting local communities and building a lasting legacy for generations. 

“We are proud to be building the future of North Queensland, starting right here in Hughenden,” Powerlink Queensland Chief Executive Paul Simshauser said. 

At its peak, the workforce accommodation will have a capacity of up to 550 workers, and these workers will be building a nearby substation and progressing the early stages of the transmission line development from Hughenden to Mount Isa. 

This part of construction will also include site preparation and civil works alongside installation and maintenance of the accommodation quarters over a five-year period. 

A workforce accommodation will also be built at Richmond, with works to begin in September 2024. 

“CopperString is supercharging North Queensland jobs, industry and economic future, and today’s ground breaking is a further demonstration of why having a plan for Queensland’s future really matters. 

“The renewable energy transition presents the biggest jobs opportunity our state has ever seen, and with the majority of Queensland’s clean economy jobs based in regional Queensland, towns like Hughenden will be some of the first to benefit. 

“We’re powering ahead with this transformational project, and with the kick off of construction on workforce accommodation, Hughenden, and the Flinders Shire can look forward to a big boost in economic opportunity as the central hub for about 500 workers in clean economy jobs,” Energy Minister Mick de Brenni said. 

Powerlink Queensland has been powering ahead with the delivery of CopperString 2032 since it acquired the project and has recently purchased several equipment critical to the development of the project, including shunt reactors, transformers and high voltage powerline. 

Powerlink has also established a 100-strong project team, alongside joint venture partners UGL and CPB Contractors, to progress the detailed design for the project – which is well underway. 

“CopperString 2032 lies at the heart of Queensland’s economic transformation. 

“By connecting the mineral wealth of our state’s north-west to Townsville’s manufacturing precincts and ports, we are creating the opportunity for more Queensland minerals to be processed in Queensland, creating skilled jobs in new industries. 

“We are also making it easier for industrial-scale renewable projects right across Queensland’s north to feed into the national grid, helping deliver more affordable, renewable energy,” Deputy Premier Cameron Dick said. 

Starting later this month, Powerlink will be offering free sessions for businesses along the CopperString corridor to build their capabilities. This program will include five workshops and one-on-one assistance to help businesses build confidence to bid for major projects and supply chain work in the region. 

The first workshop will be held in Hughenden on 23 July and then in Richmond on 25 July. To register and to get more information on the sessions, you can visit the CopperString 2032 project page here. 

Major works on the transmission line will begin in mid-2025, starting in Hughenden and then travelling west towards Mount Isa. Once this section of CopperString is completed, construction will begin on the Eastern portion of the transmission line from Hughenden back to Townsville. 

“Queenslanders deserve cheaper, cleaner, more reliable energy – to power their homes, our schools, hospitals, shopping centres and more. 

“That’s why my government is embarking on the biggest ever expansion to the state’s publicly owned energy system. 

“CopperString will be the catalyst for transforming Queensland’s North and North West – opening up mining opportunities, creating more jobs and unlocking critical minerals which will be essential in developing renewable technologies. 

“This is the start of a long and exciting future for the region and our state,” Premier Steven Miles said. 

The overall $5 billion CopperString 2032 project will include: 

• 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 substation sites 

• Workforce accommodation and facilities in strategic locations along the corridor 

The project is on track to be completed in 2029. 

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