Queensland Government delivers record investment in CopperString

The Queensland Government is investing a record $2.4 billion into the CopperString energy infrastructure project, so the state’s North West Minerals Province can be connected to the National Electricity Market.

The commitment provides certainty to communities and councils and will help deliver jobs and economic growth to the region.

The Queensland Government is committing record investment to deliver the biggest energy project in North Queensland’s history.

The 2025-26 Budget includes $2.4 billion by 2028-29 for the CopperString high-voltage transmission line that will run from Townsville to Mount Isa, connecting the North West Minerals Province to the National Electricity Market.

The record funding is an increase of $1.4 billion on last year’s Budget and provides project certainty to regional communities, local councils and investors.

CopperString will provide affordable, reliable and sustainable energy to the state’s North West, and deliver jobs and economic growth to industry and regions.

The Government is drawing upon the expertise of the Queensland Investment Corporation (QIC) to help deliver the project, including private sector investment.

QIC and Government-owned transmission company Powerlink will priortise the Eastern Link from Hughenden to Townsville. It will allow the benefits of the project to be received sooner.

QIC will also undertake a full analysis of options to deliver the best economic value for the Western Link, from Hughenden to Mount Isa.

A workforce accommodation facility at Hughenden will be capable of housing 400-450 people.

On-the-ground works will begin this financial year at the $225 million Hughenden Hub to connect future renewable energy at Flinders to the national grid.

In addition, Powerlink will prepare site accommodation across the Eastern Link as well as oversee the procurement of transformers, lines and tower steel needed to build CopperString.

Communities in North and North West Queensland are already seeing the benefits of the Government’s record investment, with more than $17 million invested into local businesses and the launch of Powerlink’s $30 million community legacy fund.

The fund will support local projects including community infrastructure, housing and accommodation as well as economic and workforce development.