The Queensland Government has reinforced its support for CopperString 2032, announcing that the upcoming state budget will commit a record investment in the project.
The 2025–26 Queensland Budget will lock in an additional $1.4 billion for CopperString, bringing the State Government’s total commitment to $2.4 billion.
The Queensland Government said it is saving what is set to become the biggest energy project in North Queensland’s history, which will deliver jobs and growth in the region, providing certainty to communities and councils ahead of the official release of the state budget on 24 June 2025.
Queensland Treasurer and Minister for Energy, David Janetzki, said the government is proving it’s all action.
“Our word matters and when we said we’re saving CopperString we meant it,” he said.
“Our investment commitment to the project provides much-needed certainty to regional communities, local councils and investors.”
Ahead of handing down the budget, Mr Janetzki said Queensland is open for business.
“We’re committed to delivering investment and economic growth across the state, including our minerals-rich north west,” he said.
“We’ll continue to draw upon the expertise of QIC in assessing the project, including private sector investment.
“We’ll continue to work with local governments to ensure CopperString delivers for North Queensland.”
In 2025–26, on-the-ground works are expected to begin at the $225 million Hughenden Hub to connect future renewable energy at Flinders to the National Electricity Market. In addition, Powerlink will prepare site accommodation across the Eastern Link as well as oversee the procurement of transformers, lines and tower steel needed to build CopperString.
