Bush Summit 2024: Copperstring project to help at-risk youth

The state government’s $5b Copperstring project will be parlayed at attack Queensland’s youth crime epidemic at the source.

At-risk juveniles will be given training and job opportunities as part of a new intervention program aimed at reducing youth crime in North Queensland.

The $3.9m training program – under the state government’s $5bn Copperstring project – will be offered to disengaged youths aged between 16 and 24, with future job opportunities flagged for participants.

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The program, which will be announced by Premier Steven Miles at Friday’s National Bush Summit in Townsville, will also feature cultural engagement and on-country mentoring for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people.

Skyrocketing crime rates are expected to be a key talking point at the event, after it was revealed offences in parts of regional Queensland had ballooned to more than four times those of metropolitan areas.

Townsville currently has the second-highest crime rate in the state with 1541 offences per 100,000 people, closely followed by the Far North with 1473 offences per 100,000.

Mr Miles said the Copperstring project was a once-in-a generation opportunity that would be used to help create better pathways for vulnerable youths through the government’s new intervention program, supported by Powerlink and the Cattleman’s Dreaming charity.

An artist's impression of what the Copperstring site in Hughenden will look like when completed.

“Doing what matters is more than just building transformational infrastructure, it’s about using these opportunities to make a difference in the lives of Queenslanders,” he said.

“My government will help to energise skills, training and employment opportunities for vulnerable young Queenslanders.”

Copperstring 2.0 is Queensland’s most significant power network infrastructure project to date, resulting in a 1100km high-voltage electricity transmission line being erected from Townsville to Mount Isa – connecting the resource-rich North West Minerals Province to the national grid via Hughenden.

It is expected to create 800 jobs over six years and could potentially unlock $500bn worth of critical minerals.

Work began last month at Hughenden, with 550 workers now laying the foundations for the 500-kilovolt transmission line.

Copperstring 2.0 is slated for completion in 2029.

Powerlink chief executive Paul Simshauser said the training program would help build a lasting community legacy.

“It is hoped that through collaboration with Cattleman’s Dreaming, we will enable at-risk kids from across North Queensland to realise a brighter future,” he said.

“We all have a role to play in providing guidance and opportunities for our future generations.”

Mr Miles is also expected to address rural health and regional workforce incentives, at the National Bush Summit.