$1.5bn CopperString project in QLD fast tracked towards construction

As a show of support for the jobs-creating $1.5 billion CopperString 2.0 high voltage transmission line project, the Queensland Government is investing $14.8 million as part of its COVID-19 economic recovery plan to help fast track the delivery of this massive development. 

CopperString 2.0 will deliver about 1,000 kilometres of high-voltage transmission line to connect the communities and people of Mount Isa and the North West Minerals Province to the National Electricity Grid, providing cheaper power to these regions. 

“This project will deliver a 1,100 kilometre high-voltage transmission line – the nation’s largest geographical expansion of the National Electricity Market (NEM) - and integrated the North West’s isolated power supply with North Queensland and the rest of the State’s electricity network. 

“But more importantly it means lowering energy costs for the North West Minerals Province where we have half a trillion dollars in the new economy minerals needed for batteries and renewables,” Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said. 

Subject to approvals, construction on CopperString 2.0 is anticipated to commence in the first half of 2021 and will create up to 400 jobs. This project will also create up to 30 jobs once operational. 

“In addition to the direct jobs generated on-site, the construction and installation, and production phases will require significant quantities of Queensland sourced goods and services including engineering and management services, machinery and cement during construction and mining, manufacturing and various business services during operation. 

“This is great news for the business and service providers in Townsville and other communities along the corridor to Mount Isa,” Member for Townsville Scott Stewart said. 

Project map (source: CopperString 2.0)

Last year, CopperString 2.0 was declared a coordinated project and it secured a $1.18 million investment from the State Government to help the project proponent, CuString Pty Ltd, with the development of a business case. 

“This new $14.8 million in funding shows our commitment to an important project for Townsville and North Queensland,” Minister for Communities and Member for Mundingburra Coralee O’Rourke said. 

CopperString 2.0 is comprised of a high-voltage transmission line running from a substation on the Ross to Strathmore transmission line – located south of Townsville – to a substation near Cloncurry and on to Mount Isa. 

“The flow-on effects of this project will see more jobs and opportunities created for the whole region. 

“Not only this it will help produce cheaper power for major resources companies based in the North West Minerals Province,” Member for Thuringowa Aaron Harper said. 

The project developer has welcomed the Queensland Government’s funding support and strong commitment towards the development of the Townsville-to-North West Minerals Province industrial economy, and the CopperString 2.0 development team is working hard on preparing the project for construction in 2021. 

“The Queensland Government has demonstrated an inspiring vision for North and North West Queensland powered by a strategic transmission investment and the country’s best renewable energy zone, and today is a critical step forward in creating jobs and prosperity for our region and ensuring the world has a secure supply of clean minerals needed for the modern global economy,” CopperString 2.0 Director Joseph O’Brien said. 

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Source: Queensland Government; CopperString 2.0; Australian Mining; Renew Economy