- Miles Government's CopperString project to provide further opportunity for at risk young people
- Arrangement between publicly owned energy company Powerlink and not for profit organisation Cattleman's Dreaming
- Initiative aims to provide alternative pathways for young people between 16 to 24
Premier Steven Miles has today announced a partnership between Queensland's publicly owned transmission company, Powerlink, and non-for-profit Cattleman's Dreaming Youth Charity.
The Cattleman's Dreaming program was developed in response to the growing number of youths disengaged from education and their communities.
The collaboration is backed by $3.9 million in funding, with a memorandum of understanding signed today.
The new initiative will provide disengaged young people living in and around North Queensland a brighter future, supporting disengaged and marginalised young people in the Townsville region through skills development and training opportunities.
The program will offer jobs, training, and personal growth opportunities for young people aged between 16 to 24, with the potential for employment and trainee opportunities on the CopperString project.
Targeted cultural engagement and on-country mentoring will also be provided to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people.
Delivering what matters to locals is a key part of the Miles Government's commitment to world leading practice in delivering renewable energy infrastructure needed to secure jobs, economic opportunity and meet legislated emissions targets.
The concept builds on the vision for CopperString to leave a lasting legacy in communities across North Queensland.
As stated by Premier Steven Miles:
"In partnership with Cattleman's Dreaming Youth Charity, my government will help to energise skills, training and employment opportunities for vulnerable young Queenslanders.
"Doing what matters is more than just building transformational infrastructure – it's about using these opportunities to make a difference in the lives of Queenslanders.
"CopperString is a once in a generation opportunity. Now, it will help create a better pathway for young people who need a helping hand.
"I want to thank Cattleman's Dreaming for working with us. I can't wait to see what we can achieve."
As stated by Member for Townsville Scott Stewart:
"There is dignity in work and this initiative will help give young people the chance to learn and develop their skills on a nation building project.
"Not only will CopperString unlock opportunities in the resources industry but it will also unlock opportunities for young people which is so important."
As stated by Member for Mundingburra Les Walker:
"We have always said CopperString is not just a project it's about creating jobs and building people's capacities.
"That's why this partnership between Powerlink and Cattleman's Dreaming is so important."
As stated by Member for Thuringowa Aaron Harper:
"I have been a long time advocate for CopperString because I know the difference it will make for this community.
"Helping vulnerable young people learn and develop their skills is so important which is this partnership is fantastic."
As stated by Cattleman's Dreaming CEO Gavin Kum Sing:
"I know firsthand how our Cattleman's Dreaming program has successfully helped vulnerable young people turn their lives around.
"We will take that next step and collaborate with the Queensland Government and Powerlink through their CopperString project to expand on the opportunities we can provide.
"Our job is to empower young people get the skills, experience and development opportunities they need to have a better life, gain employment and reach their personal goals. Now let's get to work."
As stated by Minister for Energy and Clean Economy Jobs Mick de Brenni:
"The Miles Labor Government is committed to delivering what matters for regional Queenslanders and ensuring they reap the benefits of the clean energy transition.
"Today's announcement shows what can be achieved when governments choose to build instead of cut, and the Miles Government will continue to build infrastructure and opportunities for young Queenslanders.
"This initiative is only able to be delivered thanks to the public ownership of Queensland's energy assets. This is all at risk under an LNP Government, who did not support legislating renewable energy, or public ownership targets."
As stated by Powerlink Chief Executive Paul Simshauser:
"A key pillar of CopperString is to build lasting legacies for communities across North and North West Queensland.
"It is hoped that through collaboration with Cattleman's Dreaming, we will enable at risk kids from across North Queensland to realise a brighter future.
"We all have a role to play in providing guidance and opportunities for our future generations.
"We are looking forward to seeing the results of this program."
