- $4.7 million memorial to honour 150 miners who have lost their lives in Mount Isa.
- Joint project is part of nearly $6 million to be invested through the Mount Isa Transition Fund to support community infrastructure and the city's long term economic future.
- The Crisafulli Government is delivering a better lifestyle through a stronger economy.
Mount Isa will be home to a special miner's memorial, honouring 150 miners who have lost their lives on the job as part of a major funding package by the Crisafulli Government to support the mining town's next chapter.
Jointly funded between the Crisafulli Government, Glencore and Mount Isa City Council, the $4.7 million memorial will be built on Frank Aston Hill, overlooking the Mount Isa Mines.
Featuring memorial panels, shaded areas, amphitheater seating and multiple spaces for reflection, construction of the new landmark is expected to be completed by late-2027.
After the community had been calling for a memorial for years, the Crisafulli Government listened and worked closely with Council and Glencore to deliver the lasting tribute local families, and the wider Mount Isa community have long deserved.
The Crisafulli Government's $2 million investment in the landmark memorial is part of nearly $6 million worth of projects from the Mount Isa Transition Fund being rolled out to support community infrastructure and the city's long-term economic future.
They include:
- More than $1.705 million for the establishment of a Small Business Incubator to assist local businesses with marketing, expansion and maturity, offering co-working facilities, workshops and other support.
- $1 million to support the development of a 110ha Circular Economy Industrial Estate with up to 10 commercial operations.
- $500,000 for Elevate Isa - a feasibility study and detailed design for potential residential units, retail and commercial opportunities in the CBD.
- $500,000 for Shopfront Revitalisation - a dollar-for-dollar incentive for businesses and landlords to renovate and repaint CBD shopfronts.
- $285,500 for a business case for a Critical Minerals and Rare Earths Element Research Centre, which will offer specialist lab services to surrounding mines.
The projects are in addition to the Crisafulli Government's previously announced funding to ensure the ongoing viability of the Mount Isa Rodeo.
Deputy Premier and Minister for State Development, Planning and Infrastructure Jarrod Bleijie said Mount Isa was one of Queensland's strongest and most resilient communities.
"For generations, mining families have contributed enormously to Mount Isa's success and prosperity, and this memorial will provide a place for reflection, remembrance and respect," Deputy Premier Bleijie said.
"The community has been calling for a fitting place to remember their loved ones for years, and this will honour the past while serving as a powerful reminder of the people at the heart of our mining communities.
"We are backing projects that are about supporting jobs, housing, liveability and confidence in Mount Isa's future."
Minister for Natural Resources and Mines, Minister for Manufacturing and Minister for Regional and Rural Development Dale Last said the memorial would ensure the miners who have lost their lives are never forgotten.
"Mining has shaped Mount Isa for generations and this memorial will provide a lasting tribute to those who helped build this community, and the lives that were lost along the way," Minister Last said.
"The recent tragedy at Peak Downs is a sobering reminder that while we honor those we've lost in the past, our focus must always remain on ensuring every Queensland miner comes home safely.
"We're right behind Mount Isa's mining sector with support for the Copper Smelter and Townsville Refinery, as well as securing the ongoing operation of Phosphate Hill."
Mount Isa City Council Mayor Peta MacRae said the investments would support important community priorities.
"Council welcomes this support for projects that recognise Mount Isa's history while also helping us plan for the future," Mayor MacRae said.
"The Miner's Memorial will be a deeply significant place for our community, providing a lasting place to honour those who lost their lives and recognise the contribution of mine workers and their families across the region.
"These investments along with others funded by the Crisafulli Government show confidence in Mount Isa and the people who call this city home."Glencore Metals Australia General Manager Health, Safety, Environment and Community Maryann Wipaki said the project would honour the legacy of generations of miners and provide a place for families and the community to reflect and remember.
"Mining has shaped Mount Isa for more than a century, but that history also includes the tragic loss of people whose contribution to our industry and community must never be forgotten.
"While the improvement in safety performance over the years has been positive, our job is never done, we come to work striving to do better each and every day.
"Our $2 million contribution will help create a permanent tribute where people can remember and pay their respects. The memorial will also serve as a powerful reminder of our responsibility to continually improve safety and protect every person who works in our industry."
