MOUNT Isa State Member Rob Katter said it was good news that special consideration might be given so that the Dugald River mine could reach its operation stage faster.
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However, a large number of the jobs should be supplied to Cloncurry and Mount Isa rather than given to Fly In, Fly Out workers, Mr Katter said.
Mines Minister Anthony Lynham said Dugald River and Korella Phosphate Mine could be given the status of ‘prescribed project’ here.
Mr Katter said the mining companies involved would be pleased at the benefit they could be given.
“It has the ability to be fast-tracked through the bureaucratic process.
“There’s plenty of projects and mines in Queensland on the table at the moment that aren’t given that status.
“There’s a real advantage there for them to get to the front of the queue in terms of approval.”
But it was necessary the jobs provided went to locals.
“It’s going to be harder to achieve the same proportions (of locals) from the phosphate mine that is 170 kilometres from Mount Isa and on predominantly dirt road,” Mr Katter said.
“But Dugald River is only 65 kilometres from Cloncurry. We expect a much stronger proportion to be based in Cloncurry.”
Mr Katter said there was also discussion to support the Capricorn Copper Mine. The mine was formerly known as Gunpowder.
This could provide 100 local jobs, and Mr Katter wanted at least 30 per cent of these to belong to Mount Isans.
He wanted the local Dugald River workforce to be higher than 30 per cent.
“I could not throw a figure on that but that’s a work in progress, and I expect a stronger percentage (than 30 per cent) to be based in Cloncurry, and even a small number in Mount Isa as well.”
An MMG spokesperson said that the company preferred to employ locally in Cloncurry, Mount Isa and surrounding areas where the required skill-sets existed.
“MMG Dugald River also has a Native Title Agreement with the Kalkadoon traditional owners to encourage employment of Indigenous people where they have the necessary skills.”
