Construction has commenced on the $5 billion upgrade to Queensland’s publicly owned energy system.
Work has begun on the project’s first and largest workforce accommodation site, which will house those charged with building the 840km high voltage transmission line that will connect Mount Isa to the Queensland SuperGrid for the first time.
ATCO Structures will deliver the workforce accommodation, which is due to be completed by early 2025.
The accommodation is expected to house up to 550 construction workers at its peak during the construction of a nearby substation and progression of early stages of the transmission line development heading west from Hughenden out to Mount Isa.
Construction is expected to include site preparation and civil works, as well as installation and maintenance of accommodation quarters over the site’s five-year life span.
Since acquiring the project, Powerlink Queensland has announced the purchase of equipment critical to the delivery of the project, including shunt reactors, transformers and high voltage powerline.
A project team has also been established, alongside Joint Venture partners UGL and CPB Contractors, with all detailed design on the transmission corridor well underway.
At a historic ceremony at Hughenden, Powerlink was officially welcomed by Traditional Owners, the Yirendali People. The Queensland Government said that this was the first time in more than 50 years that some of the remaining Elders have returned to their Country, made possible by CopperString.
Commencing in July 2024, Powerlink will be offering free sessions for businesses along the CopperString corridor to build their capabilities.
The program is expected to include five workshops and one-on-one assistance to help businesses build confidence to bid on major projects and supply chain work in the region.
The first workshop is in Hughenden on July 23, followed by Richmond on July 25.
Work on the high-voltage transmission line is due to commence mid-2025 from Hughenden, travelling west towards Mount Isa. Once complete, work will then commence on the Eastern portion of the line from Hughenden back to Townsville.
Construction on workforce accommodation at Richmond is expected to commence in September 2024.
Queensland Premier, Steven Miles, said, “Queenslanders deserve cheaper, cleaner, more reliable energy – to power their homes, our schools, hospitals, shopping centres and more.
“That’s why my government is embarking on the biggest ever expansion to the state’s publicly owned energy system.
“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.”
Queensland Deputy Premier, Cameron Dick, said, “CopperString 2032 lies at the heart of Queensland’s economic transformation.
“By connecting the mineral wealth of our state’s north-west to Townsville’s manufacturing precincts and port, we are creating the opportunity for more Queensland minerals to be processed in Queensland, creating skilled jobs in new industries.
“We are also making it easier for industrial-scale renewable projects right across Queensland’s north to feed into the national grid, helping deliver more affordable, renewable energy.”
Queensland Minister for Energy, Mick de Brenni, said, that the renewable energy transition presents the biggest jobs opportunity Queensland has ever seen, and with the majority of the state’s clean economy jobs based in regional Queensland, towns like Hughenden will be some of the first to benefit.
“CopperString is supercharging North Queensland jobs, industry and economic future, and today’s groundbreaking is a further demonstration of why having a plan for Queensland’s future really matters.
“We’re powering ahead with this transformational project, and with the kickoff of construction on workforce accommodation, Hughenden and the Flinders Shire can look forward to a big boost in economic opportunity as the central hub for about 500 workers in clean economy jobs.”
Powerlink’s Chief Executive, Paul Simshauser, said, “CopperString will be calling Hughenden home for the next five years.
“This is a significant milestone for this project marked at a historic ceremony in Hughenden today, and is testament to more than twelve months of hard work to get the project to this stage by the CopperString project team.
“It was a personal highlight to see the meaning of being back on Country to the Yirendali People, a clear indication that our team are committed to respecting local communities and building a lasting legacy for generations.
“We are proud to be building the future of North Queensland, starting right here in Hughenden.”
Featured Image: (L-R) Queensland Minister for Resources and Critical Minerals, Scott Stewart, Queensland Deputy Premier, Cameron Dick, Queensland Premier, Steven Miles, Thuringowa MP, Aaron Harper, and Queensland Minister for Energy, Mick de Brenni onsite as construction commences on the CopperString Project. Image credit: Queensland Government.
