Cloncurry Shire Council Mayor Greg Campbell said the town had always been a transport hub with mining and cattle the largest industries in the area both supporting a strong transport industry and a new face was adding to the mix.

“The transportation industry is expanding in Cloncurry with the recent announcement of Wagners taking on the contract for MMG Dugald River,” Cr Campbell said.

His call was echoed by MMG Operations Manager Sam Rodda who said MMG was excited about the progress of construction at Dugald River zinc mine and looked forward to seeing ore trucks from site to rail head with transport partner, Wagners.

“This follows on from a successful relationship the two companies have had over the last three years,” he said.

Jack Wagner of Wagners said their company has great faith in the potential of mining projects around Cloncurry which was reflected in a substantial investment in their Cloncurry base.

Cr Campbell said Cloncurry Shire generated $140 million in royalties in 2015/2016, one of the highest in the state.

“In 2015/2016 Cloncurry Saleyards had the second largest throughput in the State and third largest in the country,” he said.

“Curley’s have been a prominent name in the livestock industry for nearly 40 years and transport 400,000 cattle over 4.4 million kilometers per year.”

The mayor said these were just some of the transportation success stories in the area, with the town also known as a rail hub.

“There are scores of road trains on top of these, operated by large and small businesses in town, carting more livestock, mineral concentrates, mining inputs, freight, machinery and road material, every day,” he said.

“The continued growth of mining and cattle industries will see transportation continue to be significant well into the future in Cloncurry.”