Construction begins at $5b CopperString 2032 project

Ground has been broken at Powerlink Queensland’s CopperString 2032 project with construction beginning on the project’s first and largest workforce accommodation site.

The accommodation site will house those charged with building the nearly 1000km high voltage transmission line that will unlock renewable resources and critical minerals to the State.

ATCO structures will deliver the workforce accommodation which is due to be completed by early 2025.

At the ceremony in Hughenden, Powerlink Queensland was officially welcomed by Traditional Owners, the Yirendali People.

Queensland Energy Minister Mick de Brenni commented on the start of construction.

“CopperString is supercharging North Queensland jobs, industry and economic future, and today’s ground breaking is a further demonstration of why having a plan for Queensland’s future really matters,” he said.

“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.”

CopperString will connect Queensland’s north west minerals province to the national electricity grid.

It includes an increased transmission capacity of 500kV (from 330kV) for the section of line between Townsville and Hughenden for renewable energy for that region.

It will connect vast renewable wind and solar resources with critical minerals in mining and processing that can be used to make batteries and renewables.

Queensland Deputy Premier Cameron Dick says CopperString 2032 lies at the heart of the State’s economic transformation.

“By connecting the mineral wealth of our State’s northwest to Townsville’s manufacturing precincts and port, we are creating the opportunity for more Queensland minerals to be processed in Queensland.

“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.”

Beginning late July, Powerlink will offer free sessions for businesses along the CopperString corridor to build their capabilities.

The sessions include five workshops and one-on-one assistance to help businesses build confidence to bid on major projects and supply chain work in the region.

Subject to weather and construction conditions, CopperString is expected to be complete in 2029.