Mt Isa Council has extended its support of the proposed $1.5 billion CopperString 2.0 high-voltage powerline project, endorsing the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) submission following an assessment process.
Council has concluded that the proposed mitigation and management measures for CopperString pertaining to vegetation clearing, waterway impacts, cultural heritage, noise, waste, and biosecurity meet all necessary requirements.
Council is, however, seeking more information regarding the temporary workforce to be used during its construction phase.
Mayor Danielle Slade said Council’s Environmental Services and Development and Land Use staff had scrutinised the EIS and were satisfied with the proposals put forward by CopperString.
“However, we will be seeking further details from CopperString regarding the temporary workers they intend to house in the area and the potential environmental effects associated with temporary workforce accommodation,” Mayor Slade said.
“We’d like to know where the accommodation will be located, the anticipated number of workers, proposed amenities to be provided, and whether the contractor intends for the workforce accommodation to remain in the location once the project is completed,” she said.
“We want to ensure any continued ongoing use of the accommodation past the completion of the project doesn’t unreasonably impact on the amenity or character of the area or have any lasting economic or social impacts on the city.
“Other than that, Council has no further recommendations to put forward and fully endorses this project, which, once up and running, will be a real shot in the arm for the future long-term viability and competitiveness of the mining sector and other industries throughout North West Queensland.
“We look forward to seeing its continued progress and have confidence it will go ahead as planned.
“It’s hoped that construction will begin later this year following an investment decision expected to be made in mid-2021.”
CopperString 2.0 proposes to connect Mount Isa, other North West communities and the North West Minerals Province to the National Electricity Grid via a 1100km high-voltage powerline from Mount Isa to Townsville.
