The Queensland opposition has launched a fierce attack on the state government, accusing it of causing soaring power costs in the north due to critical delays in the CopperString 2.0 project. This major energy infrastructure initiative, designed to connect the North West Minerals Province to the national grid, has become a central point of political contention.
A Project in Limbo and Mounting Criticism
Opposition energy spokesman Pat Weir did not mince words, stating the government had "dropped the ball" on the vital project. He directly linked the stalled progress to the financial pain being felt by families and businesses across regional Queensland, who are facing escalating electricity bills.
The $5 billion CopperString 2.0 plan involves constructing a 1,100-kilometre high-voltage transmission line from just south of Townsville to Mount Isa. This connection is touted as a game-changer, promising to unlock vast mineral resources, drive economic development, and ultimately put downward pressure on power prices by increasing supply and competition.
However, the project has been mired in uncertainty. Despite the federal government committing $5 billion in last year's budget and the state government allocating $594 million, tangible progress on the ground has been slow. The opposition claims this inertia is a direct failure of state leadership.
Government's Defence and the Road Ahead
In response, Energy Minister Mick de Brenni defended the government's record. He emphasised that the project is the largest investment in economic infrastructure in North Queensland's history and argued that such complex undertakings require meticulous planning.
Minister de Brenni pointed to ongoing work, including finalising the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) and progressing design and procurement activities. He stated that the government is working closely with the company CopperString 2.0 Pty Ltd to advance the project, aiming to support the region's critical minerals sector and create thousands of jobs.
The minister also shifted some blame, accusing the former federal Coalition government of having "no plan for energy" during its nearly decade in power, which he implied contributed to the current challenges.
Broader Implications for the Region's Future
The debate over CopperString 2.0 transcends political point-scoring. It strikes at the heart of North Queensland's economic future and energy security. Proponents argue that without this transmission line, the region's potential for growth in mining and mineral processing is severely capped, leaving it reliant on more expensive, isolated power generation.
Business groups and local leaders have long advocated for the project, warning that delays jeopardise investment and job creation. The opposition's attack capitalises on growing community frustration over rising cost-of-living pressures, directly tying them to infrastructure policy.
As the political battle continues, residents and industries in Townsville and across the North West Minerals Province are left waiting for a clear timeline and decisive action. The success or failure of CopperString 2.0 will likely have lasting repercussions for the region's prosperity and the political fortunes of those in power.
