The Queensland Government has broken ground on the first construction works of the $5 billion CopperString project.
Work commenced yesterday on the CopperString projects’ first and largest workforce accommodation site.
The site will house those charged with building the project’s 840km high-voltage transmission line that will connect Mount Isa to the ‘SuperGrid’ for the first time.
The workforce accommodation will house up to 550 construction workers at its peak.
These workers will construct a nearby substation and progress early stages of the transmission line development heading west from Hughenden out to Mount Isa.
Supercharging the state’s north-west aims to unlock Queensland’s $500 billion north-west minerals province.
It’s expected CopperString will be complete in 2029, weather and construction conditions permitting.
Queensland Premier Stephen Miles said CopperString is the biggest ever expansion to the state’s publicly owned energy system.
“Queenslanders deserve cheaper, cleaner, more reliable energy – to power their homes, our schools, hospitals, shopping centres and more,” Miles said.
“CopperString will be the catalyst for transforming Queensland’s north and north-west – opening up mining opportunities, creating more jobs and unlocking critical minerals which will be essential in developing renewable technologies.
“This is the start of a long and exciting future for the region and our state.”
Commencing later this month, project owner, Queensland Powerlink, will be offering free sessions for businesses along the CopperString corridor to build their capabilities.
The program includes five workshops and one-on-one assistance to help businesses build confidence to bid on major projects and supply chain work in the region.
“All of North Queensland understands the immense opportunities that CopperString presents for local jobs both directly and indirectly which is why this is such a momentous day,” Resources and Critical Minerals Minister Scott Stewart said.
“Critical minerals are the next big boom for the resources industry and the feedback I’ve had from companies is that this project is key to unlocking those opportunities.”
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