· Queensland Government has announced $1.3 billion to advance construction of the $5 billion CopperString 2032 project.
· Funding to ensure project will meet construction start-date
· Investment will see establishment of 100-strong permanent jobs.
The Palaszczuk 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 funding will get the project ready for construction to commence mid-2024, a significant milestone towards unlocking the North West Minerals Province, and the renewable energy potential of North Queensland.
This package 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 also 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 allocation is part of the $5 billion estimated to deliver this game-changing project for North Queensland.
It builds on more than 40 works packages that have been release for Expression of Interest. The packages cover a range of activities and services such as engineering, construction, environmental management, logistics, camp construction, haulage and communications.
The CopperString 2032 project will also provide infrastructure to connect the North West to super-fast internet speeds with early works beginning immediately. Communities along the Flinders Highway will get early access to super-fast broadband by next year
Quotes attributable to Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk:
“This is a significant step forward to allow Powerlink to get started on this game-changing project.
“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.
“I am excited about the progress we have made so far in planning and designing this project. This funding allows the project to move into the construction phase.
Quotes attributable to Treasurer Cameron Dick:
“This is a landmark investment in the future of North and North West Queensland, delivering jobs, growth and innovation for the region.”
“We are backing this project because we believe in the vision and the value it will create for North Queenslanders, now and for decades to come.”
Quotes attributable to Minister for Resources and Townsville MP Scott Stewart:
“Building this landmark infrastructure should be done the same way we built the stadium – by North Queenslanders, for North Queenslanders.
“Every element of this project will be delivered in compliance with our Buy Queensland procurement policy, ensuring as much of this investment circulates throughout North Queensland, building an even more resilient economy.”
Quotes attributable to Powerlink Chief Executive Paul Simshauser:
“This funding is a vital step to get the necessary planning, design and environmental approvals underway on the project.
“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.”
Quotes attributable to Mundingburra MP Les Walker:
“Copperstring 2032 brings with it a huge pipeline of jobs and business opportunities.
“We are powering ahead with this transformational project, to the benefit of North Queenslanders.”
Quotes attributable to Thuringowa MP Aaron Harper:
“I’m proud to be part of the Palaszczuk Government that is delivering for the city which is going from strength to strength.
“Only the Palaszczuk Government is investing in the critical infrastructure that will power future generations of jobs in our region.”
