Published Yesterday at 12:35 PM

Treasurer, Minister for Energy and Minister for Home Ownership
The Honourable David Janetzki

MEDIA STATEMENT: Crisafulli Government delivers record investment into CopperString

Crisafulli Government delivers record investment into CopperString 

  • The Crisafulli Government’s 2025-26 State Budget will lock in record investment to deliver CopperString, prioritising the Eastern Link.
  • Despite cost blowouts under former Labor Government, the Crisafulli Government will save North Queensland’s biggest ever energy project.
  • Commitment provides certainty to communities and councils ahead of Budget. 

The Crisafulli Government has reinforced its commitment to CopperString and will boost funding for the project with a record investment of $2.4 billion in the upcoming State Budget. 

Despite blowouts of nearly $12 billion under the former Labor Government, the Crisafulli Government has saved what is the biggest energy project in North Queensland’s history and will deliver jobs and growth in the region. 

This will bring the total Government funding commitment for the project to a record investment of $2.4 billion – an increase of $1.4 billion on last year’s Budget. 

Visiting Townsville today, Treasurer and Minister for Energy David Janetzki said while the former Labor Government was all talk, this Government is proving it’s all action.  

“Our word matters and when we said we’re saving CopperString we meant it,” Mr Janetzki said. 

“The former Labor Government’s handling of CopperString was one of the worst cases of fiscal vandalism the State has ever seen and our investment commitment to the project provides much-needed certainty to regional communities, local councils and investors.” 

Ahead of handing down the Crisafulli Government’s first Budget on 24 June, Mr Janetzki said Queensland is open for business. 

“We’re committed to delivering investment and economic growth across the State, including our minerals-rich North West,” he said.  

“We’ll continue to draw upon the expertise of QIC in assessing the project, including private sector investment. 

“We’ll continue to work with local governments to ensure CopperString delivers for North Queensland.” 

In 2025-26, on-the-ground works will begin at the $225 million Hughenden Hub to connect future renewable energy at Flinders to the National Electricity Market. In addition, Powerlink will prepare site accommodation across the Eastern Link as well as oversee the procurement of transformers, lines and tower steel needed to build CopperString. 

ENDS 

MEDIA CONTACT: Renee Smith 0419 404 180