General News
15 January, 2025
Prime Minister slammed after turning up to Mount Isa empty-handed
There were no funding promises for the struggling mining city, drawing the ire of the local business community.
The Mount Isa business community has criticised Prime Minister Anthony Albanese for arriving in Mount Isa empty-handed during his hit-and-run trip to the city.
The PM arrived in Mount Isa on Wednesday, January 8 with less than 48 hours notice.
Federal MP Bob Katter, state MP Robbie Katter and Mount Isa mayor Peta MacRae were out of town and unable to be there for his blink-and-you’ll-miss-it visit that included no public engagements.
On the same day, the federal government announced more than $150 million worth of projects for Queensland under its Growing Regions Program, yet nothing for Mount Isa.
Mount Isa City Council applied for funding under the program to upgrade the library and commence work on its highly touted The Australian Critical Minerals Industrial Precinct (TACMIP), however, was unsuccessful.
New Commerce North West president Johnathan Neilsen said it was not good enough considering the challenges facing Mount Isa, with up to 1200 jobs expected to be lost this year when Glencore shuts down its underground copper operations.
“Commerce North West is deeply disappointed by the federal government’s decision to decline support for Mount Isa City Council’s application to the Growing Regions Fund, especially after the Prime Minister’s visit to Mount Isa, where he stated the government’s commitment to supporting the city through its economic transition,” Mr Neilsen said.
“Mount Isa continues to face a high level of business uncertainty. Commerce North West has received numerous inquiries from potential new business owners who are hesitant to invest in the region due to the unpredictable economic environment.
“Government support is the only way to give economic certainty to business in Mount Isa, and it is disappointing both state and federal governments have been less than helpful with their response.”
Mr Neilsen said the announcement of other projects in the electorate was a cruel blow to Mount Isa residents.
“While we acknowledge the importance of these investments in key regional areas, Commerce North West finds it ironic that Mount Isa – facing significant economic challenges and uncertainty – is not included in this round of funding,” he said.
“This is particularly concerning given the Prime Minister’s remarks in Mount Isa, which left the impression that the city would be prioritised for support.
“Commerce North West is concerned by the disparity in funding allocations. For example, the Whitsunday Coast Council received $30 million, and the Sunshine Coast Council was awarded $26 million across four different applications. We question how the Sunshine Coast, an area that is not rural, remote, or regional by most definitions, can be considered for funding under this program when Mount Isa and nearby communities like Camooweal are clearly in greater need.
“We call on Minister Catherine King, who was alongside Prime Minister Albanese in Mount Isa, to reconsider the outcome of this funding decision.
“At the very least, we request an independent review of the Mount Isa City Council’s proposal.”
During his brief visit to the region, Mr Albanese staged a press conference at the Mount Isa lookout before meeting with Mount Isa City Council CEO Tim Rose and councillors Kim Coghlan and John Tully.
He also popped into a coffee shop on Miles Street to get a photo with a local, as well as a happy snap with former mayor and state MP Tony McGrady, before being whisked back to the airport.
Mr McGrady and the Mount Isa Labor Party branch had organised a function at the Irish Club for the Prime Minister, but he cancelled on the day.
Mr Rose said the ball was left in the council’s court to get its hands on future funding.
“They basically we’ve got to go through the processes. They will recommend that we get priority over things, but we’ve still got to go through the process,” he said.
“We’re seeing both (the federal government) and the Premier later on next month, so we’re hoping between the federal and state governments they can really dig deep and try and help us as much as they can.”
Cr Coghlan praised the performance of the council CEO in the meeting with the PM.
“It was about 20 minutes and it was short, sharp and sweet,” she said.
“Tim was excellent in putting together a bit of a roadmap showing the Prime Minister all of the people who are interested in setting up in Mount Isa.
“There are a couple of things, including Green Gravity, that could get up fairly quickly with government funding.
“There were no promises but now its on us to work with them and apply for the funding.”