- $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.
As stated by 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."
As stated by 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."
