$20m fund set to kickstart new jobs in Mount Isa

Minister for State Development and Infrastructure, Minister for Industrial Relations and Minister for Racing The Honourable Grace Grace
  • $20 million available to organisations ready to help Mt Isa move ahead during and after mine closures
  • Part of the Miles Government’s $50 million support package for Mount Isa
  • Fund will focus on projects that can start up quickly to create jobs and enhance Mount Isa’s attractiveness as a place to live and work

Businesses, community organisations and other eligible applicants can now submit EOIs for their share of up to $20 million for shovel-ready projects that will create jobs, keep skilled workers in Mount Isa and boost the region’s liveability.

The Miles Government has acted swiftly to address the loss of up to 1,200 jobs after Glencore announced the closures of its underground copper mine and copper concentrator and the nearby Lady Loretta zinc mine.

The Miles Government is committed ensuring Mt Isa will transition to thrive in new ways and Glencore’s other assets in the region remain operational.

Expressions of interest (EOI) open today for the Mount Isa Transition Fund which will boost projects that can start quickly, create jobs, and build on Mt Isa’s reputation as a great place to live and work.

It is one part of the government’s $50 million support package in response to the closures scheduled for 2025 and is being delivered by the Department of State Development and Infrastructure.

The transition is being strongly informed by those who know Mt Isa and the north-west the best. About 50 community, industry and government representatives met in Mount Isa last month to share ideas on how the fund could be tailored to meet local needs.

The package also includes up to $30 million to accelerate resources projects in the Northwest Minerals Province, led by Queensland Treasury and Department of Resources.

EOIs for the Mount Isa Transition Fund are open until 8 March, with the fund then opening for detailed applications.

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