Newsroom

February 25, 2025

Federal Member for Kennedy Bob Katter has blasted Powerlink and APA over comments made to Australian Financial Review effectively killing the essential CopperString electricity link from Townsville to Mt Isa.

Mr Katter has called the transmission operator and power generation companies' comments short-sighted and greedy, and demanded the immediate sacking of all executives.

"It would appear that a conflict of interest exists when the people in charge of delivering this project are the same people 'allegedly' trying to kill it off to protect their current monopoly position," said Mr Katter.

Labelling the project as a must-do to open up North West Queensland for industry development and wealth generation, Mr Katter said CopperString will not only provide a reliable source of power for families who call the North West home, but it will allow companies to have confidence in commencing operations and in growing their businesses in the region.

"APA CEO Adam Watson's comments are him protecting APA's monopoly on power generation in the North West," Mr Katter said.

"Joining the NEM (National Electricity Market) would mean APA, who have gas turbines and a solar farm near Mount Isa, would have competition rather than the complete control of power production in the region."

The original CopperString project saw transmission lines commencing at Hughenden and working installation both east and west simultaneously; however, Powerlink CEO Paul Simshauser wants all work to concentrate on completing the Townsville to Hughenden line.

"Waiting for the east section to be completed before starting the western half is a farce.

"They also want to change the Townsville to Hughenden line from a 330kV line to a 500kV, which implies the project will need re-scoping, negotiations with landholders and First Australian groups will need to be re-scheduled," Mr Katter said.

"It will also mean small business outlays to join the network will be increased to install more equipment to be able to step down voltage to make the power usable."

Mr Katter said he can see future state government knocking the project on the head without finishing it to shift funding for the Olympics or another pleasure palace or tunnel in Brisbane.

"CopperString is a nation-building project," he said.

"CopperString will connect mineral-rich North West Queensland to the NEM power system via a high voltage power line from Townsville to Mount Isa, which will provide a reliable energy source so the region can develop mining and other industries with confidence," Mr Katter said.

Flinders Shire Mayor Kate Peddle echoed Mr Katter's thoughts on CopperString.

"While there are always concerns about project costs, investing in infrastructure that drives economic growth and wealth creation is always justified, especially when you look at the returns we'll see. This corridor is a critical economic link and connecting it to the national grid is the key to unlocking its potential," she said.

"It's an investment that will generate wealth for generations to come and it's worth every penny."