A record $2.4 billion investment will be locked into the CopperString project in Queensland’s State Budget.
Announced during a visit to Townsville, Queensland Treasurer and Minister for Energy David Janetzki confirmed the State’s renewed commitment to what is North Queensland’s largest energy infrastructure project.
The revised investment represents a $1.4 billion boost on last year’s funding, aimed at salvaging a project plagued by prior cost blowouts.
With total project costs now estimated at $5 billion, CopperString is set to deliver approximately 1,000 kilometres of high-voltage transmission lines connecting the North West Minerals Province to the national electricity market. Powerlink Queensland remains the project proponent.
CopperString’s current design includes a 500kV line from south of Townsville to Hughenden, a 330kV segment to Cloncurry, and a 220kV line continuing to Mount Isa, with up to six substations and associated infrastructure. The project received EIS approval in late 2022, with ongoing changes under review by regulators.
The renewed funding will enable construction works to begin at the $225 million Hughenden Hub in 2025–26, a key node to integrate renewable energy from Flinders Shire.
Powerlink will also prepare site accommodation along the Eastern Link, and procure transformers, transmission lines and tower steel required for construction.
“We’re committed to delivering investment and economic growth across the State, including our minerals-rich North West,” Mr Janetzki said.
“We’ll continue to draw upon the expertise of QIC [Queensland Investment Corporation] in assessing the project, including private sector investment. We’ll continue to work with local governments to ensure CopperString delivers for North Queensland.”
The project spans seven local government areas, including Mount Isa, Cloncurry, McKinlay, Richmond, Burdekin, Charters Towers and Flinders. Once operational, it is expected to create up to 750 construction jobs and 30 operational roles.
