Jobs boost projected from opening of CopperString 2032 headquarters

A new CopperString 2032 office and a new Supergrid Training Centre and Transmission Hub, which are co-located in Townsville, have been opened to support the development of the massive CopperString transmission line project. 

About 60 highly skilled energy workers, including 30 that will be dedicated to CopperString 2032, are going to be based at the interim hub by the end of the year while a purpose-built facility is constructed. 

“This hub will become the epicentre for energy jobs and training in North Queensland, with hundreds of dedicated CopperString and Supergrid workers set to be upskilled and trained. 

“It means our workforce will stay up-to-date with quickly progressing technologies in the renewable energy field, ensuring we successfully deliver our projects. 

“I’d like to thank the Premier and the local Townsville MPs who have championed this project and the opportunities it will unlock,” Minister for Energy, Renewables and Hydrogen Mick de Brenni said. 

This hub is a key element in the delivery of CopperString 2032 as well as to the growth of North Queensland’s renewable energy sector. 

The new facility will train workers in the specialist high voltage skills required to build, operate and maintain the northernmost reaches of the nation’s electricity network. 

The new Supergrid Training Centre and Transmission Hub in Townsville complements another facility already in operation in Gladstone and it is part of a $90 million commitment by the Queensland Government to grow as well as future-proof the local energy workforce. 

“The hub will play an important role in delivering CopperString 2032. 

“CopperString 2032 will unlock Australia’s largest renewable energy zone and more than $500 billion in new critical minerals. 

“Early works for the $5 billion Big Build project are already underway ahead of construction commencing after the coastal wet season,” Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said. 

The project team will be hosting a series of community information drop-in sessions throughout this month to share vital information about the project and its next steps to community members and local suppliers who are interested in hearing more about CopperString 2032. 

More information about the drop-in sessions can be found here. 

“The official opening of this facility signifies a bright future and a huge investment opportunity for Townsville and the North,” Local Member for Mundingburra Les Walker said. 

“We will continue to grow our North Queensland base and create a pipeline of skilled people as we future-proof our longer term resourceing requirements to deliver our commitments under the Queensland Energy and Jobs Plan,” Powerlink Chief Executive Paul Simshauser said. 

Project map (source: Powerlink Queensland)

CopperString 2032 will deliver 1,100 kilometres of high voltage transmission line to connect the North West Minerals Province to the National Electricity Market. 

The $5 billion 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 new substation sites 

Early works on CopperString 2032 are already underway. CIMIC Group companies UGL and CPB Contractors have been awarded a $20 million early works contract that involves detailed engineering design, field surveys, geotechnical surveys and geotechnical works. 

The UGL CPB Joint Venture has also been named as preferred contractor to undertake the construction of CopperString 2032. The design and construct contract is due to be awarded this year and it will cover the delivery of the transmission line from Townsville to Hughenden and associated works. You can read more about the appointment here. 

CopperString 2032 is estimated to support approximately 800 jobs during its construction phase and ongoing jobs will be generated during operations and maintenance. 

“This is about ensuring good jobs in new and exciting fields for local people, like the kids sitting in our classrooms today who are our future. 

“The Palaszczuk Government’s Queensland Energy and Jobs Plan and CopperString 2032 will unlock new potential for our region, delivering the critical minerals required to support our future renewable infrastructure,” Local Member for Townsville and Minister for Resources Scott Stewart said. 

Source: Queensland Government – Media Statements; Powerlink Queensland (1, 2); Utility Magazine