Queensland begins work on CopperString project

The Queensland Government has announced that work commenced on Monday on the first construction works of the $5 billion CopperString project. Ground has been broken on the project’s first and largest workforce accommodation site, which will house those charged with building the 840 km high-voltage transmission line.

ATCO Structures will deliver the workforce accommodation at Hughenden, due to be completed by early 2025. The workforce accommodation will house up to 550 construction workers at its peak. These workers will construct a nearby substation and progress early stages of the transmission line development heading west from Hughenden out to Mt Isa.

Powerlink Queensland recently announced the purchase of significant equipment critical to the delivery of the project, including shunt reactors, transformers and high-voltage powerlines. A 100-strong project team has also been established, alongside Joint Venture partners UGL and CPB Contractors, with all detailed design on the transmission corridor well underway.

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

Work on the high-voltage transmission line is due to commence mid-2025 from Hughenden, travelling west towards Mount Isa. Once complete, work will then commence on the Eastern portion of the line from Hughenden to Townsville. Construction on workforce accommodation at Richmond will commence in September 2024.

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

“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,” said Energy Minister Mick de Brenni. “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.”

“This is a significant milestone for this project ... and is testament to more than 12 months of hard work to get the project to this stage by the CopperString project team,” said Powerlink Chief Executive Paul Simshauser. “We are proud to be building the future of North Queensland, starting right here in Hughenden.”

The first business workshop is in Hughenden on 23 July, followed by Richmond on 25 July. For more information and to register, go to powerlink.com.au/CopperString2032.

Image: Left to right — Scott Stewart, Cameron Dick, Steven Miles, Aaron Harper, Mick de Brenni.