Local businesses will be encouraged to help deliver the 1000-kilometre, $1.7 billion construction program for CopperString 2.0 high-voltage electricity transmission line connecting the North West Minerals Province and the National Electricity Market.
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CuString Executive Chairman John O'Brien announced the approval of CopperString 2.0's Australian Industry Participation Plan at the Regional Reference Group meeting of regional business and government representatives in Townsville Thursday said it was another important milestone for the project following the transmission authority a few weeks ago.
"CopperString 2.0 is a nation-building project to electrify the development of the globally-significant reserves of critical minerals in the North West," Mr O'Brien said.
"It has been a priority to ensure we maximise the opportunities for local businesses and industry, so approval of our Australian Industry Participation Plan by the Federal Department of Industry, Science, Energy and Resources is a major step forward."
Work on the transmission network will include civil construction, batch plants, clearing and rehabilitation, access track construction, foundation concrete and reinforcing, tower assembly, optical ground wire, overhead earth wire, land access, Cultural Heritage, environmental services, testing and commissioning services and camp construction and camp services.
"With our construction contractor, CuString will engage with Australian manufacturers and suppliers directly through project-initiated workshops, face to face and online meetings and connections via personal and business networks," Mr O'Brien said.
The first industry event for potential suppliers will be co-hosted by CuString, Townsville Enterprise Limited and supported by Townsville Chamber of Commerce and Regional Development Australia in Townsville on October 5.
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CopperString 2.0 Regional Reference Group Chairman Tony McGrady said they were committed to maximum local benefits in construction and operation.
"The Australian Industry Participation Plan details how CuString will promote the project's work opportunities, including pre-qualification requirements, expressions of interest and tender bid processes and equal bid timeframes," Mr McGrady said.
"We will also work with local training providers to provide training for local and regional Indigenous and non-Indigenous workers to gain the required qualifications to maximise local and regional employment opportunities."
"CopperString 2.0 is a critical project for Australia and Queensland, and it has the strong support of the Australian and Queensland Governments. It will deliver major social and economic benefits for the North West and North Queensland."
CopperString 2.0 crosses seven local government areas - Mount Isa City, Cloncurry Shire, McKinlay Shire, Richmond Shire, Flinders Shire, Charters Towers Regional and Burdekin Shire.
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Derek Barry
Editor of the North West Star Mount Isa since January 2016. Prior to that, an editor at several regional southern Queensland newspapers. Passionate about telling local stories. Comes with a strange accent to due an Irish accident of birth.
Editor of the North West Star Mount Isa since January 2016. Prior to that, an editor at several regional southern Queensland newspapers. Passionate about telling local stories. Comes with a strange accent to due an Irish accident of birth.
