Queensland Minister for Energy and Clean Economy Jobs Mick de Brenni has announced Powerlink will recruit Townsville-based apprentices for the first time as the CopperString and the rest of the Queensland SuperGrid progress.
In the coming weeks, an additional 22-strong contingent will be in Townsville to assist with work on CopperString.
“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 de Brenni said.
Townsville workers will be based at Bohle’s SuperGrid Training Centre and Transmission Hub, while Cleveland Bay Industrial Park will host the permanent 10-hectare Hub.
Resources and Critical Minerals Minister Scott Stewart commented, “It’s important Powerlink have a base of workers in Townsville to deliver this project which will help unlock billions of dollars in critical mineral deposits.”
The announcements come as 35 new apprentices and graduates from across Queensland begin their careers with Powerlink.
“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,” Minister de Brenni said.
Powerlink Chief Executive Officer Paul Simshauser states that growing its presence in North Queensland signifies the company’s longer-term commitment to the region.
“This year, we will also officially break ground on CopperString as part of a five-year journey to build the electrical superhighway of the north,” Simshauser said.
“Powerlink has always been part of the North Queensland community, and now we are at the forefront of Queensland’s energy transformation. I would strongly encourage businesses and individuals alike to seize on the opportunities as they arise.”
Minister de Brenni will tour the proposed CopperString route to learn about the project’s benefits for north and northwest regions, job creation, and protection of existing ones.
Dozens of local businesses are already benefitting from CopperString, and another 450 businesses, including 250 in regional Queensland, have expressed interest in working on the initiative.
Fifty works packages have been released for Expressions of Interest, covering various activities and services like engineering, construction, environmental management, logistics, camp construction, haulage, and communications.
Local suppliers interested in participating in a state-defining project have until 31 January to register their interest.
“We have recently extended opportunities for businesses to register their interest in working on CopperString. I would encourage any businesses along the route who haven’t already registered to do so via our website by the end of January,” Simshauser said.
