Queensland invests $1.3 billion in CopperString 2032

The Queensland Government has announced a $1.3 billion package to progress work on CopperString 2032, demonstrating Queensland’s commitment to delivering Australia’s largest transmission project.

The CopperString 2032 project is a 1,100 km high-voltage electricity transmission line from Townsville to Mount Isa that will connect Queensland’s North West Minerals Province (NWMP) to the national electricity grid. The $5 billion expanded project will include a 500 kV line from Townsville to Hughenden to connect the NWMP to the North Queensland Renewable Energy Zone (NQREZ), the largest renewable energy zone in the nation.

The funding will get the project ready for construction to commence mid-2024, and will enable publicly owned energy cooperation Powerlink, alongside construction partners UGL and CPB, to undertake detailed design and engineering and environmental assessments.

The project will be calling for response to tenders from local North Queensland companies. It will also secure the easements for the CopperString 2032 project. It includes the establishment of 100 permanent project jobs, procurement of transmission equipment, delivery of all site investigations and advancement of site development works, including camps and access works.

“This is a significant step forward to allow Powerlink to get started on this game-changing project,” said Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk. “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.”

“This funding is a vital step to get the necessary planning, design and environmental approvals underway on the project,” said Powerlink Chief Executive Paul Simshauser. “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 deliver long-term benefits for North Queensland.”

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