Gladstone Project

Project overview

Powerlink is delivering the Gladstone Project which will strengthen and increase capacity of the electricity transmission network in the region. This critical program of transmission upgrades will ensure the safety and reliability of the electricity network as the region prepares for the eventual retirement of the Gladstone Power Station, and heavy industry moves toward using renewable energy sources.

The Gladstone Project will see several key projects planned, assessed and delivered in incremental stages over the next decade. This will include new transmission lines and new transmission infrastructure such as substations and associated equipment.  

You can register to receive email updates about the Gladstone Project through the subscription box on the right of this page.

Stage 1

This first stage involves construction of the Calvale to Calliope River Transmission Line Reinforcement Project. Early works (planning and assessment) funding has been approved and is underway, and construction is expected to start by mid 2026. Completion is expected in late 2028.  

Please refer to the project’s webpage for further information on the planning and engagement activities completed to date, as well as the status of approvals.

Stage 1 will also include works at the existing Calvale Substation, and an expansion of the existing Calliope River Substation.

Future stages

​The Gladstone Project is expected to be implemented in three stages, subject to several factors, including the Priority Transmission Investment (PTI) assessment, Ministerial direction, responsiveness to load growth in the region, and the need to be flexible and maximise delivery efficiency.  

Investment and funding decisions for future stages will be assessed and delivered as part of the Queensland Government’s PTI process. Please refer to our PTI webpage for further information on this investment process.

Timeframes and details of future stages cannot be confirmed until this assessment has been completed. Planning for future stages of the Gladstone Project is in the early stages and no engagement on corridor selection work has been undertaken at this point, except for the Calvale to Calliope transmission line. As future stages are confirmed, Powerlink will engage with relevant stakeholders and seek their input.

Supplier expressions of interest

​Powerlink will shortly be undertaking market testing to identify the capability and capacity of the supply chain interested in providing goods or services to the Gladstone Project. This Expression of Interest (EOI) process will inform our approach to procurement and project delivery.  

​Powerlink will be using ICN Gateway to facilitate this process. We have selected specific focus categories for the EOI phase, with the aim of:

• ​uncovering and recognising the potential contributions of local and regional businesses  
• ​capturing expertise in the local area and supporting the surrounding business community  
• enhancing project outcomes by identifying local innovations  
• ​identifying the current state of the market and any gaps. With this knowledge, we will be able to build strategies and initiatives that support the market to increase their opportunities when the project progresses to the tendering phase.  

EOIs will open in January 2025 and will run through until the end of April 2025. More than 50 work packages will be posted for EOIs, covering a wide range of goods and services required to deliver the project.

The project’s ICN Gateway page will be established in the coming weeks, providing further information about the work packages and access to the EOI form.  

Procurement

The Gladstone Project is a large scope of works and Powerlink will be engaging a main works contractor to undertake most of the procurement. They will be appointed through an Early Contractor Involvement (ECI) process.  

​While Powerlink will be procuring specialist technical items, most procurement will occur through the appointed contractor. ​The procurement process for that contractor is underway, and once appointed, suppliers who register their EOI will be notified.  

Please visit powerlink.com.au/about/suppliers for information on other tendering opportunities with Powerlink. 

Local Industry participation

Powerlink is committed to providing opportunities for Australian, local and Indigenous industry participation and ensuring that the economic benefits of the Gladstone Project are realised. We will be working closely with our main works contractors (as they come on board) to identify and define opportunities for local and Indigenous businesses to be involved as part of the Gladstone Project.  

​Powerlink has developed a tiered approach to participation in Gladstone Project. The following Local Government Areas fall within a 125km radius of the project corridor, and are considered local for project participation:

• Banana Regional Council
• Central Highlands Regional Council
• Gladstone Regional Council
• Livingstone Regional Council
• North Burnett Regional Council
• Rockhampton Regional Council
• Woorabinda Aboriginal Shire Council.

The project’s ICN Gateway page will have further information including a Supplier Completion Guide. The ICN Gateway page will become active in January 2025, coinciding with the opening of the EOI process.