- The CopperString 2032 Regional Reference Group (RRG) met in Mount Isa on 15 June following the Queensland Government’s announcement in March that the project will be delivered by Government Owned Corporation, Powerlink.
- The RRG supports engagement with local government, businesses and communities along the transmission line corridor between Townsville and Mount Isa.
- The group will play an important role in providing feedback as the project progresses towards early works in 2023 and construction in 2024.
- Continuing the RRG underpins Powerlink’s commitment to unlocking regional prosperity and jobs as part of CopperString 2032, and delivering on Queensland’s renewable energy future.
Quotes attributable to Powerlink Chief Executive Paul Simshauser:
“CopperString 2032 is set to be a game-changer for North and North West Queensland. The Regional Reference Group will support important conversations between government, community, industry, economic advisors and supply chain representatives as we work to deliver the expanded $5 billion project.
“Through CopperString 2032, we are providing energy certainty to the region’s critical minerals sector and delivering reliable, affordable and renewable power to people, businesses and communities.
“I would like to acknowledge the group’s Chair, The Hon Tony McGrady, and members including the Mayors of Mount Isa, Cloncurry, Burdekin and Flinders councils, the CEOs of the Mount Isa to Townsville Economic Development Zone (MITEZ) and Townsville Chamber of Commerce and other community representatives. I thank them for continuing to make a positive contribution to the project’s development and delivery.
“Two-way communication and information sharing is pivotal to the successful delivery of CopperString 2032. The Regional Reference Group ensures opportunities can be leveraged to benefit landholders, communities and other stakeholders along the transmission line corridor.
“We are dedicated to strengthening our relationship with group members and value the important contribution they make to ensure the broad interests of diverse stakeholders are considered as the project moves through the development phase and into early works in 2023 and construction in 2024.
“Powerlink also looks forward to working in close partnership with traditional custodians on the delivery of the project and management of its impacts to their country.
“We acknowledge the Birriah, Jangga, Yirendali, Wanamara, Mitakoodi, Kalkadoon and Yulluna people as the traditional and continuing custodians of the lands on which CopperString 2032 will be delivered.”
Quotes attributable to CopperString 2032 RRG Chair, The Hon Tony McGrady AM:
“The Queensland Government and Powerlink are to be commended for continuing the good work of the Regional Reference Group.
“Members, both new and returning, have the opportunity to provide their valuable insights on the project and continue to represent the views of each region along the corridor.
“I’m honoured to continue as Chair and be joined by Powerlink’s Director of Operations CopperString, Colin Langton as the Deputy Chair at the inaugural meeting of the CopperString 2032 Regional Reference Group in Mount Isa.
“I’d like to thank returning members including Cr Greg Campbell, Cr Lyn McLaughlin, Aileen Cull, Kevin Gill, Maria James, John O’Brien and Karen Read, and extend a warm welcome to Cr Jane McNamara, Cr Danielle Slade, Valerie Craigie and Michael Kern.”
Explainer/fast fact and/or further information:
- CopperString 2032 is a $5 billion state-owned project that will connect the North West Minerals Province to the National Electricity Market for the first time.
- One of the largest expansions to the power grid in Australia.
- Connects to Northern Queensland Renewable Energy Zone (QREZ) which has the potential to be the largest REZ in the country.
- Expected to support 800 direct jobs during construction and thousands of new jobs in critical minerals mining, manufacturing and construction of renewables out to 2050.
- Early works to start in 2023.
- Construction to start in 2024.
- Project completion by 2029.
- Find out more information about the Copperstring 2032 Project
