- QIC to deliver of CopperString in partnership with the private sector.
- Project review complete with early savings of $2.1 billion identified.
- Eastern Link to be completed by 2032 with on-the-ground work to commence soon at the Flinders Substation.
- Work on the Western Link starts now with new $200m North West Energy Fund to deliver generation and storage in outback towns.
The Crisafulli Government's five-year Energy Roadmap has outlined delivery plans and early cost savings for the biggest energy project in North Queensland's history.
The Crisafulli Government has saved CopperString despite cost blowouts of nearly $12 billion under the former Labor Government that would have resulted in the project never being delivered.
A review into CopperString has been completed by QIC, and the Government has today announced:
QIC will oversee the delivery of CopperString, ensuring the project delivers value for money and supports the region.
$2.1 billion in savings have already been identified including reverting the Eastern Link transmission line to its original scope of 330KV, after Labor unnecessarily expanded it to 500KV.
The Eastern Link from Hughenden to Townsville will be completed by 2032, with construction on track for 2028, pending federal approvals.
Early works to start soon on the $225 million Flinders Substation.
Work on Western Link to begin with a $200 million North West Energy Fund to support bespoke solution exploration at Mount Isa, Cloncurry, Julia Creek and Richmond.
Treasurer and Minister for Energy David Janetzki said the Crisafulli Government remained unwavering in its commitment to the project and the region.
"We said we'd save CopperString, and we have. QIC has been out in the field talking to locals and looking at what's needed for the region and all Queeslanders," Mr Janetzki said.
"Hughenden will remain the heart of the project, with QIC's review affirming our decision to commence work on the Eastern Link first to connect to the National Electricity Market sooner.
"To underpin our support for communities west of Hughenden, work along the Western Link will begin with the new North West Energy Fund exploring options to improve affordability and reliability in Mt Isa, Cloncurry, Julia Creek and Richmond.
"This fund together with local generation and storage solutions will ensure lower energy prices sooner for the North West, than the under the previous CopperString plan."
Mr Janetzki said the Energy Roadmap focused on improving Queensland's current energy assets, while building the ones it needed.
"Through the Roadmap we're delivering what we promised with affordable, reliable and sustainable energy for all Queenslanders," he said.
"That's why the Budget included a record $2.4 billion to save this vital project for the North and North West.
"Under Labor, CopperString would have never seen the light of day. We're delivering it and together with it the jobs, economic growth and wealth-creating opportunities for our great State."
Copperstring will also be supported by an expanded $50 million community benefits fund for priority water and sewerage infrastructure in Hughenden, road maintenance and other council-led initiatives.
