The Queensland Government has pledged $420 million in the 2026-27 Budget to advance the CopperString transmission project as part of a total $3.2 billion investment.

Treasurer and Energy Minister David Janetzki said this was an $800 million increase on last year’s Budget item of $2.4 billion, which underpinned the government’s commitment to ensuring the project’s Eastern Link was completed by 2032. 

“The upcoming Budget strengthens the foundations we laid last year and continues our record commitment to CopperString,” Mr Janetzki said. 

“Momentum is building with workers on-site at the Flinders Substation breaking ground right now, an exciting step forward as we deliver CopperString for the North and North West.  

“Communities along the corridor can have confidence this government will deliver what it promised. We’re putting real money on the table and real construction on the ground.”  

Flinders Mayor Kate Peddle said that, with that funding locked in, the focus must shift entirely to the project timeline.

“We still don’t have firm construction dates, nor do we know who will ultimately build the line,” she said.

“I know myself and the other North West mayors will be working closely with Queensland Investment Corporation (QIC) and project stakeholders to better understand the construction program, workforce requirements and key milestones as they become available.

“Local governments, businesses and residents need the information necessary to prepare.”

Cr Peddle called on the Federal Government to partner with Queensland and contribute funding towards the project, recognising the increasing cost of major infrastructure projects across Australia.

The Queensland Renewable Energy Council (QREC) welcomed the additional investment in CopperString as a strong vote of confidence in the state’s renewable energy future.

It said this month’s State Budget should match that commitment with practical measures to accelerate new generation, storage and transmission.

QREC chief executive officer Katie-Anne Mulder said CopperString was a critical enabling investment to unlock renewable energy, storage and industrial development across North and North-West Queensland.