CopperString early works welcomed with open arms by regional councils

The head of the North West Queensland Regional Organisation of Councils (NWQROC) has welcomed early works to improve connectivity in communities along the CopperString 2032 route.  

NWQROC Executive Officer, Greg Hoffman PSM, said connectivity may be good in some areas of regional Queensland but it’s "a patchwork quilt" in many others. 

In 2023 the Miles Government committed to the $5 billion CopperString 2032 project which involves building an electricity transmission line between Townsville and Mt Isa. 

The high-voltage line will connect Queensland’s North West Minerals Province to the national electricity grid and an added component of the project is to deliver improved connectivity along the Flinders Highway where the transmission line will run.  

As part of the Powerlink Queensland-led project, publicly owned Queensland Capacity Network (QCN), is providing carrier backhaul services to internet service providers via the optic fibre cables used to support the electricity network. 

In January, QCN began early works in Cloncurry, where contractors from Dantel Communications begun laying optic fibre cable which will supercharge capacity for local businesses and government agencies alike.

This dramatically faster internet will result in improved education outcomes for students, better telehealth capabilities and enhanced connectivity for local businesses.

NWQROC Executive Director, Greg Hoffman, said the improved backhaul will make it easier for internet service providers to operate in Cloncurry. 

“It is certainly welcomed because it is looking to improve the access and one hopes, with the increasing capacity, that will bring telcos that are interested in retailing off that capacity, which improves the cost profiles. The fact that CopperString is being constructed and the cable capacity that will go with it is a godsend. That of itself will support increased commercial and business activity.” 

Greg Hoffman is also a member of the Western Queensland Alliance of Councils(WQAC) which represents 24 councils across the state.

In 2021, the WQAC published a Digital Connectivity Blueprint which estimated data demands in regional areas was increasing between 30% to 80% per annum. 

It found regional users are more likely to require mobile services for communication and safety as they travel. 

They also have a higher dependency on internet for education, healthcare, shopping, banking and entertainment. 

Stage 1 of these critical upgrades in Cloncurry is due to be completed soon, with QCN planning early works in Hughenden, Richmond and Julia Creek that will allow those communities access to improved connectivity.  

The NWQROC Executive Officer said making use of existing optic fibre infrastructure ahead of the CopperString project benefits those communities now. 

“We certainly know that there is capacity there already through state bodies with their fibre optic capacity running along the Flinders Highway,” said Mr Hoffman. 

“Getting access to that at a cost has been a challenge. In fact, in only the last four or five years it was prohibitive. 

“Now that situation is changing and it’s most welcomed and supported. I’ve got no doubt the councils have been welcoming QCN with open arms.” 

Powerlink said construction of the transmission line is scheduled to begin in mid-2024 and the project is expected to be completed by 2029.