Remarks from a Powerlink boss regarding a potential shift in the CopperString construction sequence were unexpected and raised serious concerns, a key regional economic development group said.
MITEZ chief executive officer Maria James said the group was calling on the State Government to act decisively and ensure CopperString was delivered on time, in full, and with no compromises.
She was commenting after Powerlink chief executive officer Paul Simshauser argued the case for a restructure in the way the Townsville-to-Mount Isa transmission project was delivered to allow it to start paying for itself sooner.
Main image: electricity lines generic
Rather than starting construction at the midway point in Hughenden and heading towards Mount Isa, the plan should be switched so the Townsville to Hughenden leg was built first, he told the Australian Financial Review.
Ms James said any deviation that risked delaying the 2029 delivery timeline on CopperString could be catastrophic for the North West Minerals Province.
“Emerging critical mineral projects, relying on CopperString for affordable, reliable energy, may be forced into costly, isolated solutions—jeopardising their viability and Australia’s strategic position in the global supply chain,” she said.
“This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, and failure to deliver on time would be a devastating setback for the long-term sustainability of the region.
“The North West was promised a high-voltage transmission line connecting Mount Isa to Townsville and the National Electricity Market – MITEZ will accept nothing less.
“The project still awaits a final investment decision from the government, and MITEZ expects them to honour their commitment to completion by 2029 and commissioning by 2031.”
She is urging a shift in conversation – from cost to value.
“CopperString is not just an infrastructure project; it is the backbone of the North West’s future,” Ms James said.
A Powerlink spokesman said that re-sequencing CopperString had the potential to make the development more efficient and increase its commercial viability.
“This has formed part of our advice to the State Government,” he said. “We are expecting a decision from the State Government on the investment proposal shortly.”