Next week’s State Budget is set to include $30 million for community infrastructure projects along the CopperString corridor.   

In Townsville today, Premier David Crisafulli said the rollout of funding would start soon and target projects with lasting community benefits.  

Delivered through Powerlink’s Community Legacy Framework, it will support community infrastructure, housing and accommodation as well as economic and workforce development.  

“We are backing the future of CopperString, and we are backing the future of communities in north and northwest Queensland,” Mr Crisafulli said.  

“This investment is about unlocking more opportunity, attracting further investment and supporting the future of regional Queensland towns.” 

Treasurer and Energy Minister David Janetzki said CopperString construction workers would start to call Hughenden home as Powerlink began work on the Hughenden Hub (Flinders substation) later this year, pending approvals. 

“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,” he said.   

“This funding allows Powerlink to get on with 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 project.” 

The State Government investments under the Powerlink Community Legacy Framework would follow an evaluation process through the Regional Reference Group and the Office of the Coordinator-General to ensure they reflected the priorities of regional communities.