As part of the State Budget 2025-26, the Queensland Government is committing $30 million for community infrastructure projects along the CopperString corridor.
Under Powerlink’s Community Legacy Framework, the funding will support local projects including community infrastructure, housing and accommodation, alongside economic and workforce development.
The investment will follow an evaluation process through the Regional Reference Group and the Office of the Coordinator-General to ensure they reflect the priorities of regional communities.
In conjunction, Powerlink will meet with key stakeholders including local mayors, industry bodies and Traditional Owners to deliver benefits to communities along the project’s corridor.
In Townsville on Wednesday (18 June), Premier David Crisafulli says the funding will be rolled out soon and target projects with lasting community benefits.
“We are backing the future of communities in north and northwest Queensland,” Crisafulli says.
“This investment is about unlocking more opportunity, attracting further investment and supporting the future of regional Queensland towns.”
The Queensland Government says it has locked in a record $2.4 billion for the CopperString Project in the 2025-26 State Budget, as previously reported.
During this year, ground works will begin at the $225 million Hughenden Hub to connect future renewable energy at Flinders to the National Electricity Market.
Treasurer and Energy Minister David Janetzki says the funding is a milestone and a signal to communities, industries, and the region that the government is delivering CopperString.
“For the first time, real funding will flow for CopperString in this budget with a $2.4 billion investment — an increase of $1.4 billion on last year’s budget,” Janetzki says.
“This funding allows Powerlink to get on delivering the Eastern Link while QIC assesses the best way to realise the economic potential of the Western Link and activate private sector investment for the project.”
CopperString 2032, led by Powerlink, involves building 840km of new electricity transmission lines from Mount Isa to near Townsville. The project will connect the state’s North West Minerals Province to the National Electricity Market for the first time in the nation’s history.
Write to Aaliyah Rogan at Mining.com.au
Images: Powerlink
