Katter slams Powerlink & APA for killing off CopperString
February 25, 2025
Federal Member for Kennedy Bob Katter has blasted Powerlink and APA over comments made to the 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."
ENDS
Electorate Bob (red tie and jeans) in Ingham’s annual Kindy Quiz Night? or Parli Bob (waistcoat and maroon scarf) in Airlie Beach’s Halloween Party? We love a good Bob pic!
Today the Federal Government has given an extra $10 million to finalise works at Cloncurry Airport following significant flood damage in late 2025 and early 2026. Huge congratulations must go to Mayor Greg Campbell, Cloncurry Council and all those who have fought hard to achieve this outcome. The proposed works will ensure the long-term operation of this vital transport hub to continue to support aeromedical services, business travel, tourism and mining operations.
If all government cars were hybrids. If our sugar and grain was converted to ethanol. If our oil was refined in Australia. WE WOULD BE SELF-SUFFICIENT IN FUEL. This would save EVERY Australian taxpayer $40,000 a year, create hundreds of jobs and resurrect our sugar and grain industries. The answers are there… government just needs to act! To watch the full episode on Spotify, click here .
I couldn’t sleep last night.. praying for my good and long term friend Helen. Helen brings sparkle, enlightenment and joy to the centre of the crossbench. My thoughts are also with your family, friends and staff at this extremely difficult time. May Jesus keep you all in his blessings. Bob Katter
Last weeks parliamentary debate raised some key concerns about the state and direction of the country. Bob’s take is detailed in his latest podcast and includes: Carbon Credits (Integrity and Transparency) Legislation – hidden under the guise of ‘transparency’ and ‘integrity’ this legislation WIDELY EXPANDS Native Title consent requirements, openly acknowledging that it will essentially kill off nearly all small/medium size mining and infrastructure projects with extended project delays and costs. Customs (Illicit Tabacco) Legislation – stronger enforcement and penalties is useless against organized crime unless we also stop demand by narrowing the VAST gap between legal and illegal tobacco products and take away the economic incentives fueling the black market. Backpackers vs Student Visas - meetings at the highest level arguing that backpackers are here for a good time not a long time, they must be from certain countries and under the age of 30, they spend monies earnt and go home. Student visa holders have NO country restrictions and NO age limits, family dependents are also allowed and about 90% stay with the hope of migrating. Protect Aussie produce – continuing the fight to stop fresh food imports from countries with slave labour wages and child labour in the supply chain - a game changer for the banana, pineapple and other tropical fruit industries.
Not so long ago a flight to Tel Aviv experienced an attempted terrorist attack. The heroic actions of those on the plane averted what very nearly was a great tragedy with the almost certain deaths of all 180 occupants in the plane. As the background of the would be terrorist is being investigated serious allegations have been made that he was radicalised IN AUSTRALIA whilst he was an INTERNATIONAL STUDENT!!! Where are the rallies in the street? Where is the outrage in the media? Where are the strong political statements of condemnation ? Where is the swift action against those radicalising people in Australia? ARE WE GOING TO PRETEND THAT THIS WON’T EVER HAPPEN IN AUSTRALIA?
Australian rural industries will keep shutting down if we keep on allowing government to: Import fruit and vegetables; Require our farmers to compete against imports from countries with slave labour wages; and Impose more and more red, green and ‘supermarket imposed’ tape on our produce. We already import nearly all of our pork and seafood… once thriving Australian industries - SHUTDOWN. STOP THIS MADNESS. Protect Australian jobs, consumers and farmers.
Always a great time with Shane Knuth MP and some local legends!
We export our oil for $8,000 million and import it back as petrol for $62,000 million. While overseas refineries get rich from our oil we are getting poorer and poorer as a nation. The impact to our economy is colossal!!! And must be stopped. BRING BACK OUR OIL REFINERIES.
Bob: “Back in my day, we used an automatic gate opener.” Wendi: “I have one. The gate just automatically opened for me.”
