MOUNT Isa business owner Graeme Saunders acknowledged many businesses have left the city – but that the mining downturn was felt across the country.
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Cloncurry is included in the downturn.
Mr Saunders disagreed with comments made by Cr Andrew Daniels that Mount Isa was like a “sinking ship”.
“Mount Isa is still a good business town and the current news with the copper smelter will help boost confidence,” Mt Isa’s former deputy mayor said. ‘‘Cloncurry has always been in Mount Isa’s shadow as we have the population base.
‘‘Of course Cr Daniels would say that but without Ernest Henry mine they had nothing, and the mine’s life is also drawing to a close.”
Mount Isa Mines and Ernest Henry was owned by Glencore, which meant a connection in cutbacks.
The North West Star reported on Thursday that Mount Isa City Council would submit a request to a Senate committee to become the region’s capital.
Cr Daniels responded that Cloncurry should also be considered as the capital.
Mr Saunders said even if Mount Isa became capital there was more work to be done before there were benefits.
“Just naming the city is the easiest part,’’ Mr Saunders said.
“Our politicians have to believe in it and make it work – it takes a lot of vision and hard work.”
Mr Saunders believed the Mount Isa City Council has been “asleep at the wheel” regarding funding opportunities in the last seven years.
“Cloncurry has had it very easy in the last few years as they have managed to pick up a lot of funding that Mount Isa did not bother applying for,” he said.
Rodeo manager backs Isa idea
MOUNT Isa cannot forget its reputation as Australia’s rodeo capital.
However, the claim to be the North West Region’s capital could boost the city’s profile, Mount Isa Mines Rotary Rodeo manager Natalie Flecker said.
“Anything that helps our city in terms of profile, I would see as a positive move,” she said.
“Our reputation as Australia’s rodeo capital has been built up over 59 years and we don’t want to lose that title.”
Working with surrounding towns and communities was also important.
“We would always prioritise working co-operatively with our neighbouring towns who are our partners in marketing the Outback as a destination.”