The State Government has announced a $1.3 billion package to progress work on CopperString 2032, setting the scene for a mid-2024 start to construction.

The funding will enable Powerlink, alongside construction partners UGL and CPB, to undertake detailed design and engineering and environmental assessments. 

It builds on more than 40 works packages that have been release for Expressions of Interest.

The move was welcomed by Townsville Enterprise, saying this was an additional $700 million above what had been committed in the 2023/24 State Budget.  

“Ensuring this project is now underway with procurement commencing will be a boost for many businesses in our region,” the group stated.

Powerlink chief executive Paul Simshauser said the funding was a vital step to getting the necessary planning, design and environmental approvals underway on the project.

“We also want to see the people of North and North West Queensland get involved in this project, as it is a project that will shape their region for generations to come,” he said. 

“We look forward to working closely with our construction partners, local suppliers and communities to make this project a reality and deliver long-term benefits for North Queensland.”

The State Government said the commitment announced today would cover the establishment of 100 permanent project jobs, procurement of transmission equipment, delivery of all site investigations and advancement of site development works, including camps and access works.

It would also secure the easements for the CopperString 2032 project. 

This allocation is part of the $5 billion estimated to deliver the major transmission project.

“This is a significant step forward to allow Powerlink to get started on this game-changing project,” Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said.

“CopperString 2032 is the largest ever economic development project in North Queensland, and the largest expansion to the power grid in Australia.

“We are proud to invest in this historic project, which will connect $500 billion in critical minerals with the largest renewable energy zone on the east coast of Australia unlocking the next mining boom and jobs across the North West Minerals Province and North Queensland.”