Record $3.2bn investment to support delivery of CopperString project

The Crisafulli Government is investing a record $3.2 billion in the 2026-27 State Budget to support the delivery of CopperString Project.

The record investment is an $800 million increase from last year’s Budget of $2.4 billion. This underpins the Queensland Government’s commitment to delivering the Eastern Link by 2032.

Tangible benefits will also be delivered to communities with Councils prioritising housing, water and local infrastructure projects across the CopperString corridor, as part of the $50 million Community Benefits Fund.

In addition to the funding announcement, works are also progressing on the project with the ground broken to signal the beginning of construction on Flinders Substation near Hughenden, ahead of bulk earthworks which will commence next month.

“The upcoming Budget strengthens the foundation we laid last year and continues our record commitment to CopperString.

“Momentum is building with workers on-site at the Flinders Substation breaking ground right now, an exciting step forward as we deliver CopperString for the North and North West.

“Communities along the corridor can have confidence this Government will deliver what is promised. We’re putting real money on the table and real construction on the ground.

“Under Labor, CopperString would have never seen the light of day and this Budget commitment provides ongoing certainty to regional communities, local councils and investors,” Treasurer and Energy Minister David Janetzki said.

In the upcoming Budget, the State Government has budgeted $420 million as part of the $3.2 billion investment to support construction activities for the Eastern Link and enabling works for the Western Link, including the North West Energy Fund.

The North West Energy Fund is intended to enhance affordability as well as reliability of electricity supply in the North West Minerals Province and surrounding regions. This includes delivering gas, storage, wind and solar projects.

“That’s why we’ve invested $200 million in the North West Energy Fund to get energy solutions up and running while we build CopperString all the way from Townsville to Mount Isa.

“The North West Minerals Province is one of the richest mineral producing regions in the world, potentially holding $700 billion in critical minerals. Further unlocking opportunities will help deliver even more benefit for Queensland’s economy.

“Strong feedback was received during market sounding for the North West Energy Fund and new energy generation and storage to service the Dugald River Mine is already being considered, alongside other proposals.

“CopperString is proof the Crisafulli Government backs regional Queensland with action, not slogans,” Treasurer Janetzki added.

CopperString alignment (source: Powerlink Queensland)

CopperString will deliver affordable, reliable and sustainable energy to support North and North West Queensland by connecting the regions to the National Electricity Market by 2032.

The project is going to be delivered in two sections, namely the Eastern Link and Western Link.

The Eastern Link will involve building about 350 kilometres of 330kV transmission line from Reid River near Townsville to Hughenden. Other works to be delivered include the identification and construction of substation sites and workforce accommodation facilities near the CopperString alignment.

This section is expected to be completed in 2032, subject to approvals.

On the other hand, the Western Link has been allocated $200 million for the North West Energy Fund, which will be used to partner with the private sector to invest in flexible firming solutions to help reduce reliance on gas resources for baseload electricity consumption while Western Link works are developed.

The North West Energy Fund will also support local renewable energy generation, battery and microgrids to ensure regional energy reliability improves for communities including Richmond, Julia Creek, Cloncurry and Mount Isa.

Source: Queensland Government – Media Statements; Queensland Resources Council; Powerlink Queensland; Australian Mining