In a statement a company spokesperson said it is shutting up shop in Pioneer, but did not give a reason.

"We wish to thank our customers for their support and look forward to welcoming them at our neighbouring Mount Isa store on Camooweal Street,” the spokesperson said.

The company said all 58 employees will be transferred to its Camooweal Street store.

Pioneer shoppers were disappointed to learn of the imminent closure to their local supermarket, sharing their thoughts with The North West Star.

Local resident Malcolm Oldham said it was upsetting as the store is handy for people on that side of town. 

“It’s so convenient, you can come in here and pick up everything – drive in drive out sort of thing. It’s sad,” Mr Oldham said.

School of the Air teacher Di Knudson said it was unfortunate for local businesses.

“That’s really limiting for people who live on this side of town, it’s a shame, and that’s going to affect the other businesses that are here too,” Ms Knudson said.

Another Pioneer resident, Frank Tuttle, said he comes to Woolworths two or three times a week.

“A lot of the population actually shop here so I don’t know how they’re going to go at the Woolies in town, because there’s very little parking,” Mr Tuttle said.

“A lot of these people walk here, they don’t have vehicles, so they’re going to have to get into town somehow to do their shop.”

Mount Isa MP Robbie Katter expressed his disappointment at the news.

“The news of the store closure is very upsetting as I know it will have a huge impact on our community, particularly the people who live in pioneer and their easy access to affordable healthy nutritional product,” Mr Katter said.

“The local management and staff of the store are fantastic. I often enjoy shopping there myself and they have always been friendly and helpful so it’s a real shame for the community that they don’t get access to this local service anymore.”

Mr Katter said the move was typical of the attitude of upper management of the big national retailers.

"They take so much from this city and don’t reinvest back into the local community, unlike most of our smaller local retailers who do contribute to local sports and charities.”

“This is the way that the big retailers work, they will move in, dominate the market, push out competition from the suburbs as they did with IGA years ago, then consolidate to the city centre,” Mr Katter said.

It is unclear why Woolworths has decided to close the store on Abel Smith Parade, and The North West Star is waiting on further comment.

Mr Katter said he was informed it was a business decision to consolidate its outlets in Mount Isa and embark on “enhancing and improving” its city store.

“I certainly hope it’s better than the last improvements they completed on their Camooweal Street premises,” Mr Katter said.