Works have begun on the second workforce accommodation site in Richmond for Powerlink’s CopperString 2032 project.
Once completed, the 840km transmission line will unlock the $500 billion North West Minerals Province and one of the largest renewable energy zones (REZs) in the country.
A ceremony was held in Richmond to mark the milestone, which included local school children turning the first sod – representing the important connection between CopperString and the future generations who will benefit from it for decades to come.
Like in Hughenden, Powerlink’s construction delivery partner, the UGL CPB Contractors Joint Venture together with ATCO Structures will deliver the workforce accommodation which is due for completion mid to late 2025.
The workforce accommodation in Richmond will house up to 250 construction workers. These workers will construct the nearby substation and progress the transmission line heading west towards Mount Isa.
Following the ceremony, Powerlink, together with the Richmond Shire Council, held a community lunch that included the announcement of a funding contribution to the town’s Christmas tree.
Richmond Shire Council and its community have received $8,000 for their Christmas tree, which will be displayed proudly in the centre of town. This is part of Powerlink’s commitment to building a lasting legacy across its project footprint.
CopperString 2032 Project Director, Tom Dockray, said the six accommodation sites that Powerlink will build along the corridor for CopperString workers will provide a comfortable home away from home.
“The locations for the workforce accommodation sites have been chosen to ensure construction efficiencies as well as shorter travel distances, making it safer for our workforce along the transmission line and substation locations,” Mr Dockray said.
“In July we commenced construction in Hughenden and launched our Supplier Capability Development Program, in August we opened the Experience Centre in Townsville and now in September we have broken ground in Richmond.
“We are progressing rapidly and are on track to construct CopperString by 2029.”
Queensland Minister for Critical Minerals and Resources, Scott Stewart, said, “It’s been less than three months since the Queensland Government broke ground on this nation building project in Hughenden and now we are at another construction milestone with the commencement of Richmond’s accommodation facility.
“This is the largest ever expansion to the state’s publicly owned energy system and requires a workforce of more than 800 to deliver.
“The north-west is rich with critical minerals and today we are one step closer to unlocking this huge potential and future economy.”
Member for Thuringowa, Aaron Harper, said, “There are huge opportunities for Townsville people and local companies to secure work through CopperString.
“It is our progressive coal royalties that are funding this project and we have now passed laws to protect all Queenslanders’ interest in the resources that belong to them.”
Mayor of Richmond, Cr John Wharton, said, “I have personally advocated for CopperString for more than a decade and it brings me great pleasure to see the construction begin on the Richmond workforce accommodation.
“The economic injection for our town is enormous and the projects that CopperString 2032 will unlock is endless.
“We will continue to work closely with Powerlink as construction progresses.”
Featured image: Powerlink
