QIC appointed to deliver CopperString

Townsville Enterprise CEO Claudia Brumme-Smith 

"We welcome today’s announcement by the Queensland Treasurer to appoint QIC to deliver the CopperString project, a positive restructure to ensure a clear path forward."

"The appointment of QIC brings some assurances and opens the door to private investment; however, we must urge Government, and their appointed delivery partners, that there be no further delays."

"CopperString remains the single-most important enabling projects in the North with over 50% of our $42bn investment pipeline hinging on CopperString being delivered between Townsville and Mount Isa by 2029."

"Our message is clear - we need this infrastructure and we cannot afford any further delays. As we have said from the start, CopperString is vital in keeping our smelters and refineries operating post 2029, and enabling new industries such as solar and windfarms, new copper mines such as Harmony Gold and others to have confidence to invest here in the North. It's also important to support the manufacturing in Townsville with five new green refineries being proposed - the confidence in CopperString is crucial."

"Ultimately, the Government needs to scrutinise whichever entity delivers the project on an ongoing basis, particularly on time and on cost."

"We are here to work collaboratively with the Crisafulli Government, we thank both the Premier and Treasurer David Janetzki who have been steadfast on the delivery CopperString and for their open and honest dialogue with Townsville Enterprise."

Treasurer and Energy Minister David Janetzki

“QIC is Queensland’s finest, and we will draw upon its global experience and ability to attract private sector investment to deliver this economic transformation of the North West.”

“QIC’s work starts today. It will not only oversee the prioritisation of work on the Eastern Link but begin a full analysis of options to deliver the best economic value for the Western Link.”  

“Prioritising the Eastern Link will also allow focus to be placed on connecting renewable generation in the proposed Flinders Renewable Energy Zone."

“Hughenden will remain the heart of CopperString – the Hughenden Hub of the Eastern Link, which will begin construction later this year, pending federal approval, will create 100 jobs."

“We want to reassure the communities and the businesses in the North and North West of the State we’re committed to saving CopperString."

Member for Townsville, Adam Baillie

"It's been almost a year since the ground was broken and by now the community was rightly expecting to see poles and wires go up, but unfortunately all we've seen go up is the price, and that's not good enough."

"We are determined to see CopperString delivered all the way out to Mt Isa; to think we are in 2025 and there are big sections of the community in Queensland not connected to the national electricity grid and rely on generator power - it's mind-boggling."

"We are committed as a Government to see CopperString go right through to the end, and that is what we will do."