$1.3 billion boost for CopperString 2032
Unleashing North Queensland’s potential with Australia’s largest transmission project
Article summary: The Queensland Government has announced a transformative investment of $1.3 billion into the CopperString 2032 project, setting the stage for the construction of the nation’s most extensive power transmission network.
The Queensland Government has made a groundbreaking announcement, earmarking a staggering $1.3 billion to propel the CopperString 2032 project into its construction phase. This project, valued at $5 billion, is set to become Australia’s most extensive transmission project, with the wheels set in motion to begin construction by mid-2024.
Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk heralded this development as a “significant step forward,” enabling Powerlink to initiate a “game-changing project.” She elaborated on the project’s scale and impact, stating, “CopperString 2032 is the largest ever economic development project in North Queensland, and the largest expansion to the power grid in Australia.” The Premier expressed pride in the investment, which aims to connect a wealth of critical minerals with a major renewable energy zone, potentially triggering a new mining boom and creating jobs across the North West Minerals Province and North Queensland.
The investment will facilitate Powerlink, along with its construction partners UGL and CPB, to carry out comprehensive design, engineering, and environmental assessments. It also promises the creation of 100 permanent jobs and the procurement of essential transmission equipment.
Treasurer Cameron Dick underscored the significance of the investment, calling it a “landmark investment in the future of North and North West Queensland,” which will bring “jobs, growth, and innovation for the region.”
Minister for Resources and Townsville MP Scott Stewart emphasized the local focus of the project, asserting, “Building this landmark infrastructure should be done the same way we built the stadium – by North Queenslanders, for North Queenslanders.” He assured that the project would adhere to the Buy Queensland procurement policy, ensuring the investment benefits the North Queensland economy.
Powerlink Chief Executive Paul Simshauser described the funding as “a vital step to get the necessary planning, design and environmental approvals underway.” He also highlighted the importance of community involvement, saying, “We 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.”
Local MPs, Les Walker and Aaron Harper, also voiced their support. Walker spoke of the “huge pipeline of jobs and business opportunities” that CopperString 2032 will bring, while Harper praised the Palaszczuk Government for its commitment to infrastructure that will “power future generations of jobs in our region.”
The CopperString 2032 project is a visionary step by the Queensland Government, investing not only in the physical infrastructure of power transmission but also in the economic vitality and technological advancement of North Queensland. This project is poised to be a cornerstone of the region’s future, promising to unlock vast potential for sustainable development and long-term energy prosperity.