Labor's Rewiring the Nation Corporation to tap into potential of bringing Copperstring to table
A new body established under a Labor government will explore the potential of a project expected to connect the North West to the National Electricity Market.
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A NEW body established under a Labor government will explore the potential of a project expected to connect the North West to the National Electricity Market.
Labor's Rewiring the Nation Corporation will tap into opportunities that bring lower power prices, create regional jobs and support renewable investment, with the party saying CopperString fits the bill.
The project has been on the cards for decades, and despite some monetary support from both state and federal governments, proponents CuString is still looking for more than $1bn in funding.
Labor says Rewiring the Nation would work with the Queensland government and other investors to consider transformational projects like CopperString, to boost renewable energy, critical mineral and green hydrogen industries in North Queensland.
Opposition spokesman for Climate Change and Energy Chris Bowen said the party has met with proponents and the state government, and looks forward to working with both if it forms government.
“We know the Queensland Government has worked closely with the proponents, industry, local councils, Townsville Enterprise and the renewable energy sector on the project and regulatory approvals for the project,” he said.
The LNP has previously put its support behind the project.
Mr Bowen said despite the Northern Australia Infrastructure Facility considering the project for three years, no funding had been released.
“Labor would also request an urgent briefing from NAIF on its due diligence,” he said.
Labor Herbert candidate John Ring said support for projects like CopperString were vital to boosting new industries for Northern Australia.
CuString managing director Joseph O’Brien said Labor’s commitment, if elected, would advance the CopperString project.
“We stand ready to work with the next Australian Government, as we have with the Queensland Government, to deliver this shovel-ready project,” Mr O'Brien said.
Townsville Enterprise CEO Claudia Brumme Smith said the project was critical for the ongoing development of North Queensland.
“It is the key to a pipeline of billions of dollars of private investment into our region and the North West Minerals Province, and the establishment of valuable and globally significant green energy, minerals processing and advanced manufacturing industries,” Ms Brumme-Smith said.
Solar Citizens energy strategist Stephanie Gray said renewable energy development in the North West had been “derailed” by the urgent need for a transmission line.
“There are major renewable energy projects proposed near Hughenden, including the Mount James wind farm and stage two of the Kennedy Energy Park, that would provide reliable and affordable electricity to the grid and create close to 5000 construction and 300 ongoing jobs.,” she said.
“At the end of the day governments are responsible for ensuring that vital transmission infrastructure projects like CopperString proceed so local industries have access to cheaper electricity and can remain globally competitive.”
Originally published as Labor's Rewiring the Nation Corporation to tap into potential of bringing Copperstring to table
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