Council CEO's Presentation at Developing Northern Australia Conference
Published on 24 July 2025
Mount Isa City Council CEO Tim Rose joined The Next Economy CEO Lizzie Webb and Jason Kidd, the Deputy Director-General for Manufacturing and Regional and Rural Development with the Department of Natural Resources and Mines, Manufacturing and Regional and Rural Development, in conducting a presentation about the Mount Isa Future Ready Economy Roadmap at the Developing Northern Australia Conference.
This year's conference is being held in Cairns and runs from July 22 to 24.
They said Mount Isa, like many industrial regions globally, is at the crossroads of major economic transformation, but that the imminent closure of Glencore's copper operations in Mount Isa requires action.
"The world is changing in this critical decade to transition away from fossil fuels. In Australia, net-zero policies such as the Future Made in Australia Plan aim to boost domestic industrial capability and secure future trade, whilst decarbonising industry," they said.
"With the right planning and investment, Mount Isa can be a global player in a decarbonising world by producing and exporting critical minerals and materials. The region is set to significantly expand its renewable energy generation and storage, enabling Mount Isa to become a leader in green minerals processing.
"However, the pending closure of Glencore’s copper operations requires immediate action to sustain Mount Isa’s workforce, diversify economic activity and attract business."
The presentation went over the main points of the Future Ready Economy Roadmap, which was developed by The Next Economy on behalf of Mount Isa City Council.
The three main points are:
- The establishment of a special economic zone to enable economic transformation in Mount Isa;
- Bold thinking, a coordinated response and positive action can attract support across the political spectrum; and
- Collaboration, innovation and creativity are key to regional economic development.