A FORMER Labor minister and a Liberal cabinet minister appealing for legislation changes, which could lead to Mount Isa Mines’ copper smelter extending four years, involves an issue bigger than party politics.
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That’s the view of Labor candidate for the Mount Isa seat Simon Tayler, who said all sides of politics should unite under a campaign that could allow Mount Isa to thrive and keep local jobs in the region.
Mr Tayler approached The North West Star to share what he thought of the political push to extend the life of the copper smelter and the Townsville refinery.
He said it was possible the mine’s operations could extend further in the future if the copper smelter continued functioning to 2020.
“It is no secret that our community has been suffering over the last 12 to 18 months with uncertainty of the future of our city,” Mr Tayler acknowledged. “We have all been feeling it.
“But if we work together we can achieve great things and seeing a former Labor minister and current LNP minister working together on an issue that it is bigger than party politics is promising for our future.”
Local Government Minister David Crisafulli and Mount Isa Mayor Tony McGrady announced on Friday they were appealing to the state government to allow Mount Isa Mines to allow its copper smelter to run on former environmental legislation.
Katter’s Australian Party state member for Mount Isa Rob Katter said he worked with Mount Isa Mines since he was elected to encourage extension of the smelter.
Updated Labor government legislation prompted the Mount Isa Mines decision to close the smelter in 2016 because it would not be economically viable.
If former conditions were extended the smelter could continue to be used until 2020.
