Mount Isa Line subsidy strengthens the Future Ready Economy Roadmap
Published on 18 February 2026
On behalf of the community and our industry, Mayor MacRae welcomes the Crisafulli Government’s announcement of a new four‑year subsidy for users of the Mount Isa Rail Line. This directly supports Mount Isa's Future Ready Economy Roadmap and reinforces Mount Isa's position as a powerhouse in Queensland's emerging critical minerals economy.
Under the new policy, all users of the Mount Isa Line will receive a 10 per cent subsidy on below‑rail access charges for the next four years. The Mayor said the certainty this provides aligns strongly with the Roadmap’s focus on building resilient supply chains, attracting new industry and securing long‑term economic diversification.
“Our Future Ready Economy Roadmap is about preparing Mount Isa for the next generation of jobs and investment,” the Mayor said. “Strengthening the Mount Isa Line is a foundational part of that vision. This subsidy gives our industries the confidence to expand, innovate and compete globally.”
The Mount Isa Line connects one of Australia’s richest mineral provinces to the Port of Townsville, playing a critical role in keeping exports moving and supporting the state’s broader economic performance. Lowering rail transport costs will make rail a more competitive option for industry, improving freight efficiency and encourage a shift from road to rail.
This subsidy will support mining and mineral processing businesses save around $1.4 million per year, accounting for over $5 million for the four years.
“These are not abstract numbers, they translate into real jobs, real investment and real opportunities for Mount Isa,” the Mayor said. “When businesses can reinvest those savings locally, our whole community benefits.”
The announcement comes as the Queensland Government prepares its bid for United States Critical Minerals funding, including a $300 million package of proposed investments such as upgrades to the Mount Isa Rail Line. The Mayor said this global focus reinforces the Roadmap’s emphasis on positioning Mount Isa at the centre of the world’s demand for critical minerals.
“Our Roadmap recognises that Mount Isa’s future is tied to our ability to move minerals efficiently and competitively,” the Mayor said. “This subsidy strengthens our freight backbone at exactly the right time.”
The Mayor also noted that the subsidy complements other recent investments in the region, including capital support for Glencore’s copper processing facilities and fast‑tracked approvals for new resource projects.
“Mount Isa is transitioning into a diversified, future‑focused economy,” the Mayor said. “This subsidy is another building block in this economic transformation, supporting existing industries, attracting new ones and ensuring our region remains globally relevant.”
The Mayor said the city looks forward to working with industry and government to ensure the subsidy delivers maximum benefit for Mount Isa and accelerates progress under the Future Ready Economy Roadmap.