Queensland’s Treasurer and Energy Minister David Janetzki is currently travelling through the corridor from Townsville to Mount Isa to meet with local mayors and industry groups to discuss the delivery of CopperString.
The CopperString 2032 project initially involves building 840km of new electricity transmission line. It will connect Queensland’s Northwest Minerals Province to the National Electricity Market.
Janetzki plans to visit key sites this week, including the Hughenden home of CopperString’s workers. The workforce accommodation facility is on track to be fully operational by September 2025, with construction of the $225 million Hughenden Hub due to start later this financial year, pending approvals.
The Treasurer says the regional tour is an opportunity to discuss CopperString with locals and provide them with certainty.
“We’re committed to working in lockstep with local communities in a calm and methodical way, to ensure we’re delivering the best project for the North and Northwest,” Janetzki says.
“The approaching completion of the Hughenden workforce accommodation is a major milestone on the road to connecting energy projects to the National Electricity Market and unlocking the full value of the Northwest Mineral Province and serves as an example of our government’s commitment.”
The Queensland Government says communities in North and Northwest Queensland are starting to see the benefits of the record investment in CopperString. More than $17 million has been invested into local businesses and the launch of Powerlink’s $30 million community legacy fund.
As reported, the state government committed $30 million for community infrastructure projects along the CopperString corridor, as part of the 2025-26 state budget.
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.
Write to Aaliyah Rogan at Mining.com.au
Images: Powerlink
