Gladstone Project

Project overview

Powerlink is delivering the Gladstone Project which will strengthen and increase capacity of the electricity transmission network in the region. This critical program of transmission upgrades will ensure the safety and reliability of the electricity network as the region prepares for the eventual retirement of the Gladstone Power Station, and heavy industry moves toward using renewable energy sources.

The Gladstone Project will see several key projects planned, assessed and delivered in incremental stages over the next decade. This will include new transmission lines and new transmission infrastructure such as substations and associated equipment.  

You can register to receive email updates about the Gladstone Project through the subscription box on the right of this page.

Stage 1

This first stage involves construction of the Calvale to Calliope River Transmission Line Reinforcement Project. Early works (planning and assessment) funding has been approved and is underway, and construction is expected to start by mid 2026. Completion is expected in late 2028.  

Please refer to the project’s webpage for further information on the planning and engagement activities completed to date, as well as the status of approvals.

Stage 1 will also include works at the existing Calvale Substation, and an expansion of the existing Calliope River Substation.

Stage 2

The second stage of the Gladstone Project involves the construction of the Bouldercombe to Larcom Creek Transmission Line Reinforcement Project. This project is in the early stages of planning and approvals, with construction expected to begin in 2027. 

For further information on this project, please refer to the project’s webpage. 

Future stages

The Gladstone Project is expected to be implemented in three stages, subject to several factors, including the Priority Transmission Investment (PTI) assessment, Ministerial direction, responsiveness to load growth in the region, and the need to be flexible and maximise delivery efficiency.  

Investment and funding decisions for future stages will be assessed and delivered as part of the Queensland Government’s PTI process. Please refer to our PTI webpage for further information on this investment process.

Timeframes and details of future stages cannot be confirmed until this assessment has been completed. Planning for the third stage of the Gladstone Project is in the early stages. As this stage is progressed, Powerlink will engage with relevant stakeholders and seek their input.

Supplier expressions of interest (Jan - Apr 2025)

From 14 January to 30 April 2025, Powerlink sought to identify the capability and capacity of the supply chain interested in providing goods or services to the Gladstone Project.  

This Expression of Interest (EOI) process was undertaken to inform our approach to procurement and project delivery.  More than 50 work packages were available for suppliers to register their interest, covering a wide range of goods and services required to deliver the project. 

​ The aim was to: 

• ​uncover and recognise potential contributions of local and regional businesses  
• capture expertise in the local area and surrounding business community  
• enhance project outcomes by identifying local innovations  
• ​identify the current state of the market and any gaps. This knowledge will help us develop strategies and initiatives that support the market and increase their opportunities when the project progresses to the tendering phase.   

Procurement

The Gladstone Project is a large scope of works and Powerlink will be engaging a main works contractor to undertake most of the procurement. They will be appointed through an Early Contractor Involvement (ECI) process.  

​While Powerlink will be procuring specialist technical items, most procurement will occur through the appointed contractor. ​The procurement process for that contractor is underway, and once appointed, suppliers who register their EOI will be notified.  

Please visit Powerlink's Supplier guide for information on other tendering opportunities with Powerlink. 

Local Industry participation

Powerlink is committed to providing opportunities for Australian, local and Indigenous industry participation and ensuring that the economic benefits of the Gladstone Project are realised. We will be working closely with our main works contractors (as they come on board) to identify and define opportunities for local and Indigenous businesses to be involved as part of the Gladstone Project.  

​Powerlink has developed a tiered approach to participation in Gladstone Project. The following Local Government Areas fall within a 125km radius of the project corridor, and are considered local for project participation:

• Banana Regional Council
• Central Highlands Regional Council
• Gladstone Regional Council
• Livingstone Regional Council
• North Burnett Regional Council
• Rockhampton Regional Council
• Woorabinda Aboriginal Shire Council.