Future Townsville: State government announces $30m for projects in North West communities

The North West communities will begin to reap the benefits of CopperString as $30m is pumped into infrastructure, housing, accommodation and workforce projects. Here’s how it will work.

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

The North West communities will begin to reap the benefits of CopperString as $30m is pumped into infrastructure, housing, accommodation and workforce projects.

This comes as the state government revealed funding will flow as part of the 2025/26 budget for the $2.4bn project, which will connect the North West to the National Electricity Market.

The state government is investing in the region through Powerlink’s Community Legacy Framework, which will support local projects along the CopperString corridor.

Premier David Crisafulli will make the announcement at today’s Future Townsville event, which has been supported by Hancock Agriculture and S. Kidman & Co., Bravus Mining and Resources, Port of Townsville, Aurizon, Bank of Queensland, Queensland Resources Council, Sun Metals, Ark Energy and Urbis.

Premier David Crisafulli at Emerson Park in Grange on Sunday. Picture Lachie Millard

Future Townsville is a series launched by The Townsville Bulletin which explores the sector’s outlook in Queensland showcases the economic, employment and innovation it brings to the state.

CopperString is expected to make more renewable energy and mining projects possible in the region.

The first stage of the project will connect the corridor from Hughenden to Townsville to the NEM, while the second stage will bring Mount Isa to Hughenden online.

It is the communities in that energy corridor that will benefit from the government’s investment.

“We are backing the future of CopperString, and we are backing the future of communities in north and northwest Queensland,” Mr Crisafulli said.

“This investment is about unlocking more opportunity, attracting further investment and supporting the future of regional Queensland towns.”

Treasurer David Janetzki at Emerson Park in Grange on Sunday. Picture Lachie Millard

Treasurer and Energy Minister David Janetzki said the government was committed to ensuring CopperString delivered for North and North West Queensland.

“The legacy fund is a significant milestone and is a strong signal to communities, industry and the region that we are delivering CopperString,” he said.

“Workers will start to call Hughenden home as Powerlink commences work on the Hughenden Hub later this year, pending approvals.

“For the first time, real funding will flow for CopperString in this Budget with a $2.4bn investment – an increase of $1.4bn on last year’s budget.

“This funding allows Powerlink to get on with delivering the Eastern Link while QIC assesses the best way to realise the economic potential of the Western Link and activate private sector investment for project.”

The investments will follow an evaluation process through the Regional Reference Group and the Office of the Coordinator-General to ensure they reflect the priorities of regional communities.

Powerlink will to meet with key stakeholders including mayors, industry bodies and traditional owners to deliver lasting benefits to communities along the corridor.

Originally published as Future Townsville: State government announces $30m for projects in North West communities