General News
26 June, 2024
City’s future looks bright after MIRFAC roundtable
The future of Mount Isa is a hot topic with local leaders.
Mount Isa’s key civic, state and business leaders have met to discuss the future of the city and ways to reduce the impact on the local economy in the wake of expected job losses at Glencore’s copper mining operations.
It was the third Mount Isa & Region Futures Advisory Committee (MIRFAC) gathering since Glencore’s announcement and chair Jae Lancaster, from the Department of State Development and Infrastructure, said things were looking positive for the city.
“Round 1 of the Mount Isa Transition Fund is on track to announce the recipients in coming months,” she said.
“We’re currently evaluating a good range of more than 60 applications we received in May, determining those that will either enhance Mount Isa’s attractiveness as a place for people to live and work, or immediately create jobs and/or worker transition pathways.
“Additionally, the Department of Resources’ Critical Minerals Strategy and the Department of Small Business, Employment and Training’s Small Business Strategy will also be integral in supporting the transition.”
At the MIRFAC roundtable, Mount Isa City Council announced it would be hosting the region’s first Regional Jobs Committee to develop region-specific solutions to local skilling and workforce needs as transition plans are put in place.
“Through its Transitioning Mount Isa’s Economy: Response to Glencore Copper Mining Closure strategy, the council is setting priorities that will help position Mount Isa to harness funding opportunities of the National Reconstruction Fund,” Ms Lancaster said.
“These priorities will also guide the economic transition towards renewables (low emission technologies in particular) and the next wave of resources investment in critical minerals and value-adding technologies.
Ms Lancaster said Glencore’s update to MIRFAC focused on its ongoing closure preparations which include delivery of a social transition plan with initiatives including jobs fairs over coming months.