Progress on the CopperString 2032 project is rapidly powering ahead, with the Minister for Energy and Clean Economy Jobs announcing Powerlink will recruit Townsville-based apprentices for the first time.
An additional 22-strong contingent in Townsville will also support work on the 840km transmission line which will run from outside Ayr to Mount Isa.
The announcements for the region come as 35 new apprentices and graduates from across Queensland began their careers with Powerlink earlier in January.
“We’re powering ahead to deliver clean economy jobs for Queenslanders, and by making progress on CopperString, it means we can create more skilled jobs for Queenslanders, while protecting and supporting existing jobs and industries,” Minister for Energy and Clean Economy Jobs, Mick de Brenni said.
“Not only does this project benefit workers in industries like engineering and construction, but it also means big benefits to small business.
“Powerlink has already injected more than $400,000 into the North Queensland economy, and from local cleaners to caterers, bakers to baristas, the economic benefit of CopperString and projects that deliver cleaner, cheaper and more secure energy will continue to be significant.
“This is a huge year for CopperString and Townsville and the North Queensland community, with the benefits of the Queensland SuperGrid already starting to show.”
The key infrastructure project connects the largest renewable energy zone on the east coast of Australia with half a billion dollars in critical minerals.
“CopperString 2032 essentially connects the north and northwest, the North West Minerals Province and a whole lot of potential renewable energy development to the national electricity market,” said Powerlink Queensland Manager Community and Stakeholders Nicole Maguire.
“It’s probably a once in a generation project for the north of the state and we’re excited to be delivering it.”
Minister de Brenni toured the proposed CopperString route to learn more about how the mammoth project will benefit the north and north-west regions, create new jobs, and protect existing ones.
With dozens of local businesses already involved in the project, a further 450 businesses, including 250 from regional Queensland, have registered their interest to work on the project.
Minister for Energy and Clean Economy Jobs Mick de Brenni met with Mayors and community leaders from Townsville to Mount Isa to discuss CopperString in January. Photo supplied: Mick de Brenni
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