Mount Isa is now trying to diversify its economy into tourism and green energy activities. Photo: supplied
Miner Glencore’s pending withdrawal from Mount Isa in western Queensland is prompting moves to diversify the city’s economic base through green energy and tourism.
The city council also wants state and federal government funding help after it released a roadmap to transform and diversify is mining-dependent economy.
The 19,000-strong city faces the loss of up to 1200 jobs at Mount Isa Mines this year as Glencore winds down its copper operations.
Mayor Peta MacRae says the pending closure is “a huge loss for Mount Isa”.
“When one door closes, many more are opening to protect our workforce and build the industries, infrastructure and services we need for the future,” she says.
“Council is already working with partners to unlock opportunities in new technologies and services.
“However, bold assistance from state and federal governments is needed for Mount Isa to remain a great place to live, work and do business.”
Mount Isa City Council is reportedly asking for $2 billion in government funding to help them diversify.
Last December, the Qld Government said it would give an extra $2 million to the council to revive the Mount Isa Rodeo.
The funding was made under a $20m Mount Isa Transition Fund and announced two months after the 65-year event went into administration.
Tim Rose, Mount Isa City Council CEO, says despite $680bn in deposits of critical minerals and rare earths, the remote locations and huge power and transport costs is proving a challenge to mine it.
“It’s time to embrace new technologies to generate low-cost and clean power so our mining sector keeps running and we can keep the lights on in our communities,” he says.
Liz Webb, The Next Economy COO and roadmap project lead, says that “a business-as-usual economic development is no longer enough for mining regions like Mount Isa, grappling with major industrial upheaval taking a heavy toll on local workforces and economies.
“New industry development is complex and takes time. Mount Isa is ready for this challenge and will be successful with the right co-ordination, support and investment,” she says.
Input for the roadmap was sought from more than 100 industry, business, government and community contributors.
ROADMAP ELEMENTS
- Export critical minerals to the world given Mount Isa’s proximity to the North-West Minerals Province.
- Produce and store reliable renewable energy.
- Finish CopperString 2032 which will connect Mount Isa to the national energy grid.
- Improve transport and freight infrastructure resilience.
- Grow tourism and agriculture industries by building resilience into local beef grazing operations and tourism adventures.
- Improve social services and community infrastructure such as child care facilities, affordable housing and specialist health care.
