Miles doing what matters: $20 million fund to support almost 500 Mount Isa jobs

Published Thursday, 12 September, 2024 at 11:20 AM

Minister for State Development and Infrastructure, Minister for Industrial Relations and Minister for Racing
The Honourable Grace Grace

$20 million Mount Isa Transition Fund to fund 10 key projects
The projects will support Mount Isa’s economic transition with the impending closure of Glencore’s copper mine
Almost 500 fulltime-equivalent jobs will be supported

The Miles Government has approved 10 projects to support almost 500 local jobs in Mount Isa ahead of planned mine closures by resources giant Glencore.

The projects are being funded via the $20 million Mount Isa Transition Fund, as part of a broader $50 million structural adjustment package which also includes $30 million to accelerate resources projects in the Northwest Minerals Province.

The Mount Isa Transition Fund includes:

$14.7 million for 10 projects including associated program delivery costs; and
$5.3 million for Mount Isa City Council to implement projects identified through its own economic transition strategy.

Combined, the projects are expected to create an estimated 483 full-time equivalent construction and ongoing jobs.

Funded projects include upgrades to community infrastructure and sporting facilities, expanded childcare services, the restoration of culturally significant community spaces and building local manufacturing capabilities.

Glencore announced in October it will close its underground copper mine and copper concentrator in Mount Isa in 2025, along with the nearby Lady Loretta Zinc mine.

Quotes attributable to Minister for State Development and Infrastructure Grace Grace:

“Mount Isa is one of Queensland’s strongest and most resilient communities, built on the hard work of its residents.

“Our focus is on supporting affected workers and the wider community by creating new opportunities for good, secure jobs and keeping skilled workers in the region.

“The projects we’re supporting through the Mount Isa Transition Fund will strengthen small business, liveability and help to build a more resilient community.”

Quotes attributable to Minister for Resources and Critical Minerals Scott Stewart:

“Mount Isa has been the backbone of Queensland’s resources industry for over a century and the Miles Government firmly believes the city will continue to play that role for the next 100 years.

“The structural adjustment package complements the $30 million Mount Isa Mining Acceleration Program which will expedite mining projects in the North West Minerals Province, creating almost 1,000 long-term jobs.”

Media Contact: Martin Philip 0407 675 008

Organisations funded through the Mount Isa Transition Fund

Applicant	Project Title	Scope of Project
Agriflex Pty Ltd	Ardmore Phosphate Rock Mine increase in production	Expand the production of the Ardmore Phosphate Rock Mine
NW Commercial Laundry Pty Ltd	Electrified laundry strengthens Mount Isa’s economy through job creation	Purchase of site and construction of an all-electric commercial laundry to service mines, restaurants and other industries in the Mount Isa region and surrounds.
Calibre Engineering Pty Ltd	Calibre Engineering Mica Creek Facility Expansion and Modernisation Project	Expand the existing Calibre Engineering Mica Creek Facility shed, including the purchase and installation of an overhead crane.
Queensland Police-Citizens Youth Welfare Association	PCYC Mount Isa Club Upgrade	Upgrade existing PCYC gym facilities, including installation of an all-weather cover for the existing basketball court to provide an expanded basketball program.
Mount Isa Day Nursery & Kindergarten	MIDNK Expansion Project	Expand the capacity of childcare services available in Mount Isa by training new staff, acquiring land and building.
Mount Isa Rugby League Association Incorporated	Mount Isa Rugby League - Facility Improvement Project	Upgrade the existing Mount Isa rugby league sporting field facility in conjunction with Healy State School.
North West Hospital and Health Service	Mount Isa Mental Health Hub	Refurbish existing leased commercial space to provide office and clinical treatment areas to expand capacity for mental health services provided by the Mount Isa Hospital.
Mount Isa Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services Limited	Burke Street Riverbed Restoration	Restore the culturally significant Burke Street Riverbed area and establishment of community access and facilities, including clearing, landscaping, installation of essential services, and provision of vehicle access, shade, toilets and a community yarn circle.
North West Queensland Indigenous Catholic Social Services Limited	Pioneer Community Centre	Establish a community centre in the Mount Isa suburb of Pioneer, providing centralised access to government and non-government support services for the community.
Mount Isa Campdraft Association Inc	Facility Upgrade	Build a new ablution block on the Mount Isa Campdraft Grounds.