Have your say on the $1 billion CopperString Project
A major new energy solution for Mount Isa and the resource rich North West Mineral Province is a step closer today Premier Anna Bligh has announced.
(PressZoom) - A major new energy solution for Mount Isa and the resource rich North West Mineral Province is a step closer today Premier Anna Bligh has announced.
Ms Bligh said the draft Terms of Reference (ToR) for the proposed 700km power line from Woodstock south of Townsville to Mt Isa had been approved and would be released for public consultation between today and October 4.
The draft ToR outline the framework of the comprehensive Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) to assess any potential social, environmental or economic impacts associated with the proposed project.
The $1 billion CopperString power line proposes to construct an alternating current, high-voltage transmission line to the North-West Queensland electricity supply system via a new connection near Cloncurry.
The line will connect the mineral rich North West Mineral Province, and future mining projects, to the national electricity grid.
“This project aims to provide an electricity transmission network ‘backbone’ from north Queensland to the north-west minerals province to bolster its growth potential,” Ms Bligh said.
“The North West Minerals Province around Mount Isa is one of the most significant base and precious metal mining provinces in the world, with production in 2007-08 valued at $7.5 billion.
“This proposed project is a once in a generation opportunity for this crucial mineral rich area to find the energy it needs to power Queensland past 2030.
“The State Government is committed to building our regions and relieving pressure on the state’s south east. We also remain committed to supporting industry and boosting jobs throughout Queensland.
“That’s why we joined the Queensland Resources Council in funding the independent Sims Review to determine how to best address the North West region’s electricity needs.
“That review found it would be best for Government to encourage private entities to develop options to deliver the region’s future power needs. So we are supporting private entities CuString and Leighton Contractors in conducting a feasibility study for the proposed CopperString project.
“In addition, this proposed power project also provides the potential to unlock enormous renewable energy reserves from future solar and possibly geothermal sources as those technologies mature.’’
Member for Mt Isa Betty Kiernan said the CopperString project fell into the category of famous projects such as the Snowy Mountain Scheme.
“The CopperString project is on par with those visionary projects of the past and the project is all about the future,” she said.
“The Premier and I made a firm commitment to work towards resolving energy issues in the long term for the North West Mineral Province and that is what this project is all about.”
Minister for Infrastructure and Planning Stirling Hinchliffe said the proposed project could generate up to 400 construction jobs, 30 ongoing jobs and tens of thousands of future mining related positions.
“This is a chance for all interested parties to come forward and have their say,’’ Mr Hinchliffe said.
“The proposed transmission line will utilise existing proven transmission line engineering to provide approximately 400 Mega Watts (MW) of firm transfer capability to and from the National Electricity Market.
“The project is intended to complement, not replace, the existing energy infrastructure in north and north-west Queensland.
“While the new Woodstock substation south of Townsville is currently the preferred eastern connection to the national electricity grid other options would be the existing Ross and Strathmore substations sites.
“Further expansion of the western area of the project beyond the Chumvale substation may occur subject to demand and this may result in the extension of the transmission line creating a total length of up to 1100km.
“The final connection point will be determined through ongoing negotiations with Powerlink.’’
The project is a joint venture between Leighton Contractors Pty Ltd and CuString Pty Ltd who have developed a Special Purpose Vehicle to develop the joint venture.
Coordinator-General Graeme Newton said the scale, potential effects and complexity of approvals for the project required a rigorous EIS to consider the potential environmental, cultural and socio-economic impacts on the local community.
“It is important to note the declaration of a ‘significant project for which an EIS is required’ is not an indication of approval nor support for a project by the Coordinator-General or the Queensland Government,” Mr Newton said.
“Rather it is recognition of the complexity of a project – the substantial benefits it may bring and the need to carefully assess its environmental, social and economic impacts and how they could be mitigated if the project was approved to proceed.
“The draft Terms of Reference will provide the framework for an Environmental Impact Statement, so community feedback on the draft is important.”
Submissions close on Monday 4 October and should be addressed to:
Minister for Infrastructure and Planning Office - 07 3224 4600
Premier’s Office - 07 3224 4500
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