Renewables fast-track for the South must be replicated in the North
The Albanese Government’s decision to fast-track southern Australia’s renewable energy infrastructure must be replicated in North and North-West Queensland to unlock the region’s renewable energy, critical mineral and broader economic potential.
Townsville Enterprise CEO, Claudia Brumme-Smith said the North and North-West have one of the most advanced renewable energy infrastructure project pipelines in the nation, with the CopperString 2.0 high-voltage transmission line securing State approvals and development green light for projects including the 1000-megawatt Mount James wind farm.
“The Albanese Government has committed more than $2bn to fast-track projects for Victoria and Tasmania. We need the same commitment in the North,” Mrs Brumme-Smith said.
“If the Government wants to ‘rewire the nation’ then they must commit to projects north, south, east, and west of Canberra; not just in the south.”
“The projects in the North are ready to go. These projects are shovel-ready. The only question is, is the Albanese Government ready to commit to them?”
“We believe the Queensland Government has been working hard, like the Victorian Government obviously has been, to secure a similar deal from Canberra.”
“Prior to the election, the now Minister for Climate Change and Energy, Chris Bowen acknowledged the importance of our region and the CopperString project to Labor’s clean energy plans.”
Mr Bowen stated:
Labor recognises the huge opportunity of transmission investment across Australia to lower power prices, create regional jobs, and support renewable investment, including the potential of the CopperString project.
That is why Labor will establish Rewiring the Nation, which will work with the Queensland Government and other investors to consider transformational projects such as the 1000-kilometre CopperString high-voltage electricity transmission line to boost renewable energy, critical mineral, green hydrogen industries in North Queensland.
We know the Queensland Government has worked closely with the proponents, industry, local councils, Townsville Enterprise and the renewable energy sector on the project and regulatory approvals for the project.
