Queensland backs CopperString with $2.4b

The Queensland Government has reinforced its commitment to CopperString, announcing it will boost funding for the project in the upcoming state budget.

The FY26 state budget will bring the total funding commitment for the project to a record investment of $2.4b — an increase of $1.4b on last year’s budget.

The CopperString project is a 1,100km high-voltage electricity transmission line from Townsville to Mount Isa that will connect the state’s North West Minerals Province to the national electricity grid.

Ahead of handing down the state budget on June 24, Queensland Treasurer and Minister for Energy David Janetzki said the state was open for business.

“We’re committed to delivering investment and economic growth across the state, including our minerals-rich North West,” he said.

“We’ll continue to draw upon the expertise of [Queensland Investment Corporation] QIC in assessing the project, including private sector investment.

“We’ll continue to work with local governments to ensure CopperString delivers for North Queensland.”

In FY26, on-the-ground works will begin at the $225m Hughenden Hub to connect future renewable energy at Flinders to the National Electricity Market.

Powerlink will prepare site accommodation across the Eastern Link as well as oversee the procurement of transformers, lines and tower steel needed to build CopperString.