Powerlink Queensland’s CopperString 2032 project has hit a new milestone, with the 840km high voltage transmission line anticipated to unlock world-class critical minerals and renewable resources upon completion.
Work has commenced in Hughenden on the CopperString project’s first and largest workforce accommodation site which will house those charged with building the 840km high voltage transmission line.
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 the initial 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.
A ceremony was held at Hughenden, where 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.
The first workshop is in Hughenden on 23 July, followed by Richmond on 25 July.
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 back to Townsville.
Construction on workforce accommodation at Richmond will commence in September 2024.
Queensland Premier, Steven Miles, said Queenslanders deserve cheaper, cleaner, more reliable energy to power their homes, schools, hospitals, shopping centres and more.
“That is why my government is embarking on the biggest ever expansion to the state’s publicly owned energy system.
“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.
“This is the start of a long and exciting future for the region and our state.”
Queensland Resources and Critical Minerals Minister and Member for Townsville, Scott Stewart, said, “All of North Queensland understands the immense opportunities that CopperString presents for local jobs both directly and indirectly which is why this is such a momentous day.
“CopperString will help unlock potentially $500 billion of critical minerals deposits in the North West Minerals Province. Critical minerals are the next big boom for the resources industry and the feedback I’ve had from companies is that this project is key to unlocking those opportunities.
“It’s the Miles Government that is backing the critical minerals sector through CopperString and our $315 million Queensland Critical Minerals Strategy which will help support jobs in Townsville, Mount Isa and throughout the north.”
Deputy Premier, Cameron Dick, said that CopperString 2032 lies at the heart of Queensland’s economic transformation.
“By connecting the mineral wealth of our state’s north-west to Townsville’s manufacturing precincts and port, we are creating the opportunity for more Queensland minerals to be processed in Queensland, creating skilled jobs in new industries.
“We are also making it easier for industrial-scale renewable projects right across Queensland’s north to feed into the national grid, helping deliver more affordable, renewable energy.”
Queensland Energy Minister, Mick de Brenni, said, “CopperString is supercharging North Queensland jobs, industry and economic future, and today’s groundbreaking is a further demonstration of why having a plan for Queensland’s future really matters.
“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.
“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.”
Powerlink’s Chief Executive, Paul Simshauser, said, “CopperString will be calling Hughenden home for the next five years. This is a significant milestone for this project marked at a historic ceremony in Hughenden and is testament to more than twelve months of hard work to get the project to this stage by the CopperString project team.
“It was a personal highlight to see the meaning of being back on Country to the Yirendali People, a clear indication that our team are committed to respecting local communities and building a lasting legacy for generations.
“We are proud to be building the future of North Queensland, starting right here in Hughenden.”
Featured image: Scott Stewart, Cameron Dick, Steven Miles, Aaron Harper, Mick de Brenni onsite at CopperString. Image: Queensland Government.
