Jobs on a string in major energy grid expansion project

Australia’s longest-serving maverick federal MP may not be a fan of wind and solar farms but he knows poles and wires are essential for jobs.

A $9 billion transmission project to link Mount Isa and north-west Queensland to the national electricity market is also intended to hook up the region’s renewable energy resources.

But without a single pylon built after 15 years, the project is a “litmus test” for whether the latest state government is capable of building essential infrastructure for the survival of industry, according to federal MP for Kennedy Bob Katter.

“There is no way we can put coal-fired power stations in the mid-west to Mount Isa, Cloncurry – there is no coal there,” he told AAP.

Known as CopperString, the project could unlock critical minerals needed for electric car batteries, solar panels and smartphones by providing more affordable power to developers eyeing deposits valued at $500 billion in the North West Minerals Province.

“There are very significant line losses if you carry electricity great distances and that’s why I am tenaciously opposed to wind and solar, except in remote locations,” Mr Katter said.

Recently elected Premier David Crisafulli had promised CopperString “over and over again”, Mr Katter said.

“Wind farms came in because of CopperString – not the other way round. It’s the lifeline that must be thrown to what will very rapidly become the sinking ship.

“It would be one of the greatest lies in Australian politics to be so supportive of a project and not see it through.”

The LNP’s election commitments included ensuring renewable energy projects have community consultation, with all wind farm developments becoming “impact assessable” as of Monday.

Deputy Premier Jarrod Bleijie said this mandated all wind farm developers to consult with local councils, communities and other stakeholders for new projects.

Mr Katter said energy, not labour, was the greatest cost for mining and the region could not continue to mine unless CopperString was built.

Swiss multinational Glencore, the operator of Mount Isa Mines, plans to close underground copper mining operations in 2025 but could keep the smelter running until 2030 with government support.

Four giant vanadium mines, which need CopperString, should bring in $1 billion a year to the Australian economy, Mr Katter said.

“And there are at least three major copper mines that in my opinion, increase copper production by over 30 per cent, all dependant on this electricity and this line being built,” he said.

Queensland Treasurer David Janetzki in January’s state budget update reaffirmed the LNP’s commitment to CopperString’s 840km-long electricity transmission line.

But a further 200km of additional transmission line will be required to connect new renewable generators, according to project leader Powerlink.

The company broke ground in July 2024 in Hughenden with the construction of the workforce accommodation and facilities.