Construction on the second workforce accommodation site for CopperString 2032 has kicked off, with the Richmond site anticipated to house up to 250 construction workers.
The workers will construct the nearby substation and progress the transmission line heading west towards Mount Isa.
CopperString is set unlock a potential $500 billion in critical mineral deposits in the North West Minerals Province, with Richmond and Julia Creek home to one of the largest vanadium deposits in the world.
The ceremony marking construction commencing included local school children turning the first sod, demonstrating the important connection between CopperString and the future generations who will benefit from it for decades to come.
Like in Hughenden, Powerlink’s construction delivery partner the UGL CPB Contractors joint venture together with ATCO Structures will deliver the workforce accommodation, which is due for completion in mid- to late-2025.
Following the ceremony, Powerlink, together with the Richmond Shire Council, held a community lunch, which included the announcement of a funding contribution to the town’s Christmas tree.
Richmond Shire Council and its community have received $8,000 for their Christmas tree, which will be displayed proudly in the centre of town. This comes as part of Powerlink’s commitment to building a legacy across its project footprint.
Queensland Minister for Critical Minerals and Resources, Scott Stewart, said the second accommodation site is at another construction milestone, less than three months after breaking first ground on the project in Hughenden.
“This is the largest ever expansion to the state’s publicly owned energy system and requires a workforce of more than 800 to deliver.
“The North West is rich with critical minerals and today we are one step closer to unlocking this huge potential and future economy.”
Thuringowa MP, Aaron Harper, said, “There are huge opportunities for Townsville people and local companies to secure work through CopperString.
“It is our progressive coal royalties that are funding this project and we have now passed laws to protect all Queenslanders’ interest in the resources that belong to them.”
CopperString 2032’s Project Director, Tom Dockray, said that the six accommodation sites built along the corridor for CopperString workers will provide a comfortable home away from home.
“The locations for the workforce accommodation sites have been chosen to ensure construction efficiencies as well as shorter travel distances, making it safer for our workforce along the transmission line and substation locations.
“In July, we commenced construction in Hughenden and launched our Supplier Capability Development Program. In August, we opened the Experience Centre in Townsville and now, in September, we have broken ground in Richmond.
“We are progressing rapidly and are on track to construct CopperString by 2029.”
Mayor of Richmond, John Wharton, said, “I have personally advocated for CopperString for more than a decade and it brings me great pleasure to see the construction begin on the Richmond workforce accommodation.
“The economic injection for our town is enormous and the projects that CopperString 2032 will unlock is endless.
“We will continue to work closely with Powerlink as construction progresses.”
Featured image: Christopher Wehling/shutterstock.com
