Powerlink’s workforce accommodation precinct is nearing completion at Hughenden, preparing for occupancy later this year.
Powerlink’s Executive General Manager of Major Projects Ian Lowry and Flinders Shire Mayor Kate Peddle toured the facility last month.
“To be on the verge of starting operations after a sod turn around 12 months ago is a testament to the team who has constructed the facility,” Mr Lowry said.
“We are well-positioned to get on the job of the preliminary works of the Hughenden Hub later this year.
“A key focus continues to be on engaging local and indigenous businesses as this work continues.
“To date we have invested more than $17 million in local businesses along the CopperString corridor to this point.”
Flinders Shire Mayor Kate Peddle said it was an eye-opening experience to see where future CopperString workers will be residing.
“CopperString is the catalyst for economic development across the North and North West,” she said.
“This is a facility we never thought we would see in our community but we are glad it’s here.
“We are proud of the partnership we have built with Powerlink – and now QIC – and look forward to preliminary works starting later this year.”
Powerlink will be meeting with local mayors and industry bodies in coming weeks to discuss investment into community legacy projects.
The initial communities set to see the benefits from the $30 million fund will be Hughenden and Richmond.
Powerlink has also achieved a significant environmental milestone with the approval of CopperString’s Offset Management Plan required for construction mobilisation to the Hughenden Hub later this year.
“This plan has been delivered after 12 months of detailed planning with Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water, along with significant ecological studies to identify and secure prospective offset properties in the region,” Mr Lowry said.
Key environmental commitments include restoration of native habitats, long-term improvement of habitat quality scores and the ongoing monitoring and reporting to ensure ecological outcomes are met.
Powerlink is continuing to work with relevant authorities on a number of other required approvals.
Learn more about the CopperString project.
