- Miles Labor Government has today broken ground on the first construction works as part of the $5 billion CopperString project.
- CopperString is an almost 1,000 kilometre high-voltage transmission line that will connect Mt Isa to the SuperGrid for the first time.
- Supercharging the state’s North West will unlock the $500 billion North West Minerals Province and Hughenden renewable resources.
- It’s expected CopperString will be complete in 2029, weather and construction conditions permitting.
Hughenden has officially become the heart of Powerlink Queensland’s CopperString 2032 project as construction commences on North Queensland’s largest regional development project.
Work has today commenced on the CopperString projects’ first and largest workforce accommodation site which will house those charged with building the 840km high voltage transmission line which will unlock world-class renewable resources and critical minerals.
ATCO Structures will deliver the workforce accommodation which is 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.
Construction includes site preparation and civil works, as well as installation and maintenance of accommodation quarters over the site’s five year life span.
Since acquiring the project, Powerlink Queensland has powered on with progress and recently announced the purchase of significant equipment critical to the delivery of the project, including shunt reactors, transformers and high voltage powerline.
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.
At a historic ceremony at Hughenden today, Powerlink was officially welcomed by Traditional Owners, the Yirendali People. This was the first time in more than 50 years some of the remaining Elders have returned to their Country, made possible by CopperString.
This is all part of Powerlink’s commitment to developing and building a lasting legacy for communities, businesses and industry along the transmission corridor for generations to come.
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.
