Mayor MacRae Presents at North West MPX

Published on 08 May 2025

The two-day North West MPX combined conference and expo is being held in the Mount Isa Civic Centre and kicked off on Wednesday morning, May 7.

Wednesday's presenters included Mount Isa Mayor Peta MacRae, State Minister for Natural Resources and Mines Dale Last MP, North West Phosphate's John Cotter, Ausenco's Dr Grant Ballantyne, the Queensland Resources Council's Nicole Duguid, and MITEZ's Maria James.

Cr MacRae's presentation touched on strategies, proposals, and government programs relating to critical minerals, such as the Future Made in Australia Bill 2024, the Critical Minerals Production Incentive Tax, the Junior Miners' Exploration Centre, and The Australian Critical Minerals Industrial Precinct.

"Mount Isa cannot go it alone. Nothing great built in this region came without collaboration," Cr MacRae said.

"Council seeks greater commitment from the Queensland and Australian governments, largely through funding grants, and significant and dedicated investment to accelerate industry growth and help junior miners move from exploration to production.

"We truly live in a complex and amazing place. Give us oxygen and let us breathe. We have never let Queensland down."

Mr Last said the State Government was taking action to secure Mount Isa's future for the century ahead, including by tracking new investment to create more jobs in the North West.

"Many have written Mount Isa off in the past. It's been written off since the '30s, when the copper mine faced financial challenges, unpaid bills, and flooding shafts," Mr Last said.

"But decisive leadership back then, when Julius Kruttschnitt took over the site, transformed the struggling operation into a thriving enterprise. And just as [Kruttschnitt] had a vision for Mount Isa 100 years ago, we too are confident that this region has a prosperous future, especially as global demand for key minerals continues to grow."

Find out more at www.northwestmpx.com.au.