Welcome to Mount Isa

Welcome to Mount Isa, the traditional lands of the Kalkadoon and Indjilandji people.

Our city is located in north-west Queensland on the banks of the Leichhardt River. With a population of approximately 21,000, it is the major service centre for the area.

Mount Isa is situated on the traditional lands of the Kalkadoon people who followed patterns of hunting and gathering, fishing and trade for many thousands of years before the arrival of the first Europeans. Kalkadoon craftsmen were famous for the quality of their stone implements. Hand-crafted tools were traded by the Kalkadoon people with other Aboriginal groups across western Queensland, as far south as Birdsville.

Today, Mount Isa City Council celebrates a wealth of talent, success and creativity in Mount Isa's Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community which includes professionals, educators, artists, musicians, tradespeople, health workers, business owners, entrepreneurs, community leaders and many other passionate, dedicated and successful people.

Our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities include Traditional Custodians, who represent the original Aboriginal inhabitants of the area, as well as a diversity of Elders and people who live and work in the City.

Our vision for cultural recognition:

"Promote, celebrate and recognise our indigenous heritage, local history and diverse cultures."
"Work with the local Aboriginal community to assist in preserving indigenous culture and values in the area where opportunities exist."
"Promote cultural heritage of the area to the community and visitors." 
"Encourage social inclusion and celebration of diversity."

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From humble origins 90 years ago, Mount Isa has grown into a progressive city in the centre of Queensland’s desert heart, one of many of Mount Isa’s unique qualities. Located in prime cattle country, the city has enjoyed longevity unheard of when it comes to typical mining communities. Having celebrated its 90th birthday in 2013, the Isa is still going strong, still growing and attracting visitors to experience a true icon in the outback of Australia. In fact, it is widely considered that only once you visit the Isa do you become a ‘real’ Aussie.

MOUNT ISA - Population approx. 22,000

Situated in the heart of the Carpentaria Mineral Province, the city harnesses one of the world’s richest mineral resources and is set amongst the brilliance of the Selwyn ranges.

But Mount Isa is not just about mining.  It is a family friendly city, rich with community pride.  Mount Isa is a land of opportunity with regard to career, education, and lifestyle.  From the Lake Moondarra Barramundi Fishing Classic, to the annual Isa Street Festival, Hard Times Mine, and Outback at Isa, along with ample retail and shopping facilities, there is a wide variety of attractions that make visiting, living, and working in the city such an attraction.

Located 1,829km from Brisbane, and 883km inland from Townsville, the closest major city, Mount Isa is the administrative, commercial and industrial centre for Queensland’s North West. The City shares a boundary with the Northern Territory to the West and includes the township of Camooweal, located 191 kilometres to the North West. This makes Mount Isa the second largest city in Australia.

With a population of 22,000, Mount Isa is the major service centre of the region and well equipped to meet the needs of residents and tourists alike with all the services and amenities you would find in a modern city. Shaped as it is by its rich mineral bounty and mining heritage, the Isa is a city unlike any other.

With no shortage of wide open spaces, red soil desertscapes, distinctive wildlife and things to explore and experience, the Isa is a must-visit on every traveller’s agenda. Whether you are visitor to our shores or a born and bred Australian, once you’ve been to Mount Isa you’ve experienced the true heart of our amazing nation.

A top ten producer of some of the world’s most in-demand minerals, the city also boasts a number of hallmark and unique annual events including one of the biggest on the outback calendar, the Mount Isa Rodeo. Largest and best of its type in the southern hemisphere, the Isa Rodeo is held over three days during which the city opens it arms to visitors from all corners of the globe. With a packed program of rodeo events including bull riding and steer wrestling plus live entertainment, races and rides, the Isa Rodeo is a must-see event.

Mount Isa is a vibrant, multicultural place, which attracts people from all corners of the globe, who have made this beautiful outback city their home.

Community and Econonomic Profiles

In-depth community and economic profiles of the Mount Isa area are available to view online. From there you can also view the profiles of other Local Government Areas across North and North West Queensland. Hover over the menu on the left of the page to view the various categories.

The information presented is derived from official sources of information (Australian Bureau of Statistics) as well as Australia's leading economic modellers.

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CAMOOWEAL  -  Population approx. 300

Situated 191km from Mount Isa is the small and extremely hospitable country town of Camooweal. Known as the gateway to the Northern Territory and Queensland, the town is home to a rich history and rural lifestyle. The Barkly Highway which joins Mount Isa to Camooweal is considered the longest main street in the world, at 188km long. The Camooweal district is honeycombed with rare sink holes and caves, dating back to the Cambrian Period, about 500 million years ago. Those visitors experienced in serious caving will discover a whole new world beneath the Camooweal region. While in Camooweal make sure you visit the Barkly Tableland Heritage Centre, Camooweal Caves National Park and the Drovers Camp Information Centre.

Contact Mount Isa City Council

In Person: Post to:
Mount Isa City Council
Administration Building
23 West Street
MOUNT ISA  QLD  4825
Chief Executive Officer
Mount Isa City Council
PO Box 815
MOUNT ISA  QLD  4825
Monday to Friday - 8.30am - 5.00pm  
Phone: 07 4747 3200 Email: city@mountisa.qld.gov.au
After Hours Plumber: 0428 981 724  
After Hours Local Laws: 0438 118 649  
Camooweal Agent