$5bn CopperString project on track for 2029 finish after breaking ground in Hughenden

Hughenden will now become the beating heart of the state government’s $5 billion energy project - with more than 550 workers expected to flock to the site once the build commences.

Hughenden will become the beating heart powering Powerlink’s 2032 CopperString project, with the first construction work being undertaken on Monday to get the $5 billion energy transmission link off the ground.

Ground was broken at the remote North Queensland accommodation site that will house the first, and largest, complement of workers building the connection between the state and Mount Isa.

This story is part of The Courier-Mail’s special Future Queensland: Resources series that reveals the truth about the contribution the much-maligned resources industry makes to Queensland. You can read all of our coverage on the special topic page here.

Powerlink CEO Paul Shimshauer said the step was a ‘significant milestone’ after ‘twelve months of hard work’.

“We are proud to be building the future of North Queensland, starting right here in Hughenden,” Mr Shimshauer said.

When fully constructed, the worker hub will house 550 workers, who will be charged with laying the foundations of the 1,000km transmission line that will connect Mount Isa to the rest of the North.

Ground has been broken at the 'heart' of the Copperstring 2032 project in Hughenden.

Queensland Premier Steven Miles was in attendance as contractor ATCO Structures took the first steps in assembling the worker housing.

“Queenslanders deserve cheaper, cleaner, more reliable energy – to power their homes, our schools, hospitals, shopping centres and more,” Mr Miles said.

“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.

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

“This is the start of a long and exciting future for the region and our state.”

Once worker accommodation is in place by 2025, work will start on the power transmission line in earnest, first connecting Mount Isa to Hughenden, and then working back towards the east to connect to Townsville.

The project is expected to be completed by 2029, with the worker accommodations at Hughenden being built for a five-year lifespan.

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

Once completed, CopperString will be leveraged by the state government to create new renewable jobs, with Deputy Premier and Treasurer Cameron Dick describing it as the ‘heart of Queensland’s economic transition’.

“By connecting the mineral wealth of our state’s northwest 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,” Mr Dick said.

“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.”

Resources Minister and Townsville MP Scott Stewart said the $5 billion project would spark ten times as much in return.

“All of North Queensland understands the immense opportunities that CopperString presents for local jobs both directly and indirectly which is why this is such a momentous day,” Mr Stewart said.

“CopperString will help unlock potentially $500 billion of critical minerals deposits in the North West Minerals Province.

“Critical minerals are the next big boom for the resources industry and the feedback I’ve had from companies is that this project is key to unlocking those opportunities.

“It’s the Miles Government that is backing the critical minerals sector through CopperString and our $315 million Queensland Critical Minerals Strategy which will help support jobs in Townsville, Mount Isa and throughout the north.”

Flinders Shire Mayor Kate Peddle said she hoped that projects such as CopperString could develop economic growth for the region’s local governments so they could increase their independence.

“This is just the beginning of our story, and we must continue to work together to build upon the legacy that this incredible project will create,” she said.

Originally published as $5bn CopperString project on track for 2029 finish after breaking ground in Hughenden