The Queensland Government is locking in a record investment of $2.4 billion to deliver the CopperString project in its 2025-26 State Budget.
CopperString 2032, led by Powerlink, involves building 840km of new electricity transmission lines from Mount Isa to near Townsville. The project will connect Queensland’s North West Minerals Province to the National Electricity Market for the first time in Australia’s history.
This latest boost of funding is nearly double than the Queensland Government’s funding commitment in last year’s budget, which totalled $1.4 billion.
In 2025-26, ground works will begin at the $225 million Hughenden Hub to connect future renewable energy at Flinders to the National Electricity Market.
Powerlink will also prepare site accommodation across the Eastern Link as well as oversee the procurement of transformers, lines and tower steel needed to build CopperString.
Treasurer and Minister for Energy David Janetzki says this investment commitment provides a “much-needed certainty” to regional communities, local councils and investors.
“We’re committed to delivering investment and economic growth across the state, including our miners-rich North West,” Janetzki says.
CopperString first broke ground in July 2024 with the construction of the workforce accommodation and facilities. The project is on track for completion by 2029, with commissioning and energisation of the transmission line expected by 2031.
Write to Aaliyah Rogan at Mining.com.au
Images: Powerlink
