Mount Isa Transition Fund
The Queensland Government is investing up to $50 million to support workers affected by the closure of Glencore’s Mount Isa copper mine and copper concentrator and the Lady Loretta zinc mine. The support package includes up to $20 million for economic structural adjustment through the Mount Isa Transition Fund. A resource acceleration program of up to $30 million is being delivered by Queensland Treasury in conjunction with the Department of Natural Resources and Mines, Manufacturing and Regional and Rural Development.
About the fund
The Mount Isa Transition Fund has been fully allocated.
The objectives of the MITF are to:
- support job creation in Mount Isa for the local workforce directly impacted by Glencore’s mining and processing closures
- strengthen the Mount Isa economy, including the Mount Isa small business sector
- strengthen the liveability and community resilience of Mount Isa.
Projects were considered for funding under two streams:
- initiatives that strengthen Mount Isa’s economy through immediate job creation and/or worker transition pathways.
- initiatives that enhance Mount Isa’s attractiveness as a place for people to live and work.
Successful applicants were chosen through an assessment process based on alignment with program objectives and assessment criteria.
The following applicants received conditional funding offers in September 2024.
| Applicant | Project Title | Scope of Project |
|---|---|---|
| Agriflex Pty Ltd | Ardmore Phosphate Rock Mine increase in production | Expand the production of the Ardmore Phosphate Rock Mine |
| Calibre Engineering Pty Ltd | Calibre Engineering Mica Creek Facility Expansion and Modernisation Project | Expand the existing Calibre Engineering Mica Creek Facility shed, including the purchase and installation of an overhead crane. |
| Queensland Police-Citizens Youth Welfare Association | PCYC Mt Isa Club Upgrade | Upgrade existing PCYC gym facilities, including installation of an all-weather cover for the existing basketball court to provide an expanded basketball program. |
| Mount Isa Day Nursery & Kindergarten | MIDNK Expansion Project | Expand the capacity of childcare services available in Mount Isa by training new staff, acquiring land and building. |
| Mount Isa Rugby League Association Incorporated | Mount Isa Rugby League - Facility Improvement Project | Upgrade the existing Mount Isa rugby league sporting field facility in conjunction with Healy State School. |
| North West Hospital and Health Service | Mount Isa Mental Health Hub | Refurbish existing leased commercial space to provide office and clinical treatment areas to expand capacity for mental health services provided by the Mount Isa Hospital. |
| North West Queensland Indigenous Community Social Services Limited | Pioneer Community Centre | Establish a community centre in the Mount Isa suburb of Pioneer, providing centralised access to government and non-government support services for the community. |
| Mount Isa Campdraft Association Inc | Facility Upgrade | Build a new ablution block on the Mount Isa Campdraft Grounds. |
In addition, up to $7.3 million has been allocated to the Mount Isa City Council to implement projects identified through its economic transition strategy and to support the ongoing viability of the Mount Isa Rodeo.
Supporting Mount Isa
The Mount Isa Transition Fund (MITF) structural adjustment package is just one approach that supports employment opportunities and encourages the economic revitalisation and community resilience of the Mount Isa region.
The broader transition for the Mount Isa community and economy will continue to be delivered in line with the North West Queensland Economic Diversification Strategy. This builds on the significant investment already underway in the region, including:
- $2.4 billion to deliver the CopperString 2032 project connecting North-West Queensland to the National Electricity Market and lowering energy prices for major projects
- $30 million community infrastructure projects along the CopperString corridor.
Through the Coordinator-General, the Queensland Government is actively streamlining assessment and planning for multiple large-scale infrastructure projects in the region.
Queensland Rail will introduce new incentives to reduce access charges on the Mount Isa rail line, providing significant savings for emerging rock phosphate producers.
The Queensland Government will continue to consult and partner with communities in the region.
Glencore workers
Glencore has responsibility under its enterprise agreement to support its workforce to transition. The Queensland Government offers several programs and initiatives to support jobseekers into employment, including self-employment.
The Queensland Government is providing services to support job seekers to identify jobs, employment programs and training opportunities in the region. To address local workforce needs across the Mount Isa region, the Queensland Government has established a Regional Jobs Committee in Mount Isa.
Further information
For further questions, please contact the Mount Isa Response team at mountisaresponse@dsdilgp.qld.gov.au or (07) 3452 7416.
Last updated: 30 Jul 2025