Queenslanders can comment on the $1 billion CopperString powerline with draft terms of reference for the project's environmental impact statement released by the Coordinator-General.
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The 1100km, 275-kilovolt overhead high-voltage electricity transmission line will connect Mount Isa and the North West Minerals Provence to the National Electricity Market grid south of Townsville.
Acting Minister for State Development Stirling Hinchliffe said the proposed powerline will help the region plug into new industrial opportunities, creating jobs for the region and boosting the local economy.
"This project could create up to 400 full-time jobs during its three year construction phase and support 30 full-time jobs once fully operational," Mr Hinchliffe said. "The proponent has said the project will provide reliable electricity to communities and mines through eight local government areas, as well as an alternative electricity supply to the North West Minerals Province."
When finalised, the terms of reference will set out the matters the proponent must address when preparing the EIS for the project.
"This process is crucial as it helps to shape the final terms of reference, which ensure potential impacts on our natural, social and economic environment are appropriately considered," Mr Hinchliffe said.
"Once a draft EIS is approved by the Coordinator-General, the community will then be invited to comment on the project."
CuString proposes to commence the first stage of construction, building a 720km overhead powerline from Woodstock to the Chumvale Substation near Cloncurry by end 2020, with operations commencing by the end 2022.
CuString then proposes to extend the line from the Chumvale Substation to Mount Isa and south to the Phosphate Hill Power Station and Cannington Mine as early as 2024, subject to demand.
View the draft terms of reference at eisdocs.dsdip.qld.gov.au/CopperString/2019/DTOR/copperstring-draft-terms-of-reference.pdf
The period for public comment concludes August 2, 5pm.
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