Priority projects plug in to CopperString cash

Early dividends from the North’s largest ever energy project will soon benefit Townsville, with Council gratefully welcoming an allocation of $4.285 million from the Queensland Government’s CopperString Community Benefits Fund.

Through the $50 million fund – designed to deliver priority housing, water and local infrastructure projects to communities along the CopperString corridor – Townsville City Council has secured:

• $214,500 for the Kalynda Chase Tennis Centre Lighting Energy Efficiency Upgrade
• $667,700 for the Townsville Lab Solar and Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS)
• $456,749 for Loam Island Solar
• $609,400 for Townsville Street Lighting Efficiency

Townsville Mayor Nick Dametto welcomed the funding, and said Council would seek to allocate the remaining $2.3 million across community infrastructure, utility and housing priorities.

Councillor Dametto said Council was keen to deliver the approved projects, and would continue to engage with Treasurer, Hon. David Janetzki, the Queensland Investment Corporation (QIC) and Queensland Treasury to deliver lasting benefits to the region.

“The CopperString project represents a significant economic commitment from the Queensland Government to North Queensland, but once complete there’s no doubt this investment will be returned tenfold in terms of the energy, industry and mining potential it will unlock,” Cr Dametto said.

“It’s important the communities along the corridor that are the engine room of all this economic activity, including Townsville, leverage this flow of funding to deliver long-term benefits for their residents.

“This dedicated Community Benefit Fund will go a long way to ensuring the cities and towns along the CopperString route are able to access the funding they need to invest in essential infrastructure, enhance liveability and deliver projects that support long-term population growth.

“Council is very keen to get the ball rolling on these approved projects, and to identify other priorities for the remaining funds – we are grateful to the Queensland Government for this investment, and look forward to continuing to work closely with them.”