Construction has commenced at Powerlink Queensland’s CopperString 2032, North Queensland’s largest regional development project.
Work commenced on the CopperString projects’ first workforce accommodation site which will house those charged with building the 840km high voltage transmission line.
ATCO Structures will deliver the workforce accommodation which is due to be completed by early 2025.
The housed workers will construct a nearby substation and progress early stages of the transmission line development heading west from Hughenden out to Mt Isa.
Powerlink Queensland recently announced the purchase of significant equipment critical to the delivery of the project, including shunt reactors, transformers and high voltage powerline.
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.
“Queenslanders deserve cheaper, cleaner, more reliable energy – to power their homes, our schools, hospitals, shopping centres and more,” Premier Steven Miles said.
“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.”
Energy Minister Mick de Brenni said the CopperString project will bring North Queenslanders jobs, while securing the industry and economy future.
“The renewable energy transition presents the biggest jobs opportunity our state has ever seen, and with the majority of Queensland’s clean economy jobs based in regional Queensland, towns like Hughenden will be some of the first to benefit,” he said.
“We’re powering ahead with this transformational project, and with the kick off 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.”
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