Mount Isa to Townsville Economic Zone’s chief executive Glen Graham said that the list was “warmly received” when given at Parliament House last Thursday. 

“We had time to respond to questions.

“Sometimes you take these things and they say ‘leave it there. See you later.’ This was a good chat,” Mr Graham said. 

“We are hoping some of these items on this list may eventually be included in the election promises by both parties.

“The priority list was provided to Robbie Katter so that he can keep these items front of mind in Brisbane.” 

The first item on the list was for the government to solve issue of sustainable energy pricing.  Energy was the highest expense for industry producers in the North West Minerals Province, according to the list. 

“The cost of generated electricity at the Mount Isa power stations to these customers (excluding Ergon customers) is determined by the contracted price of gas which has been subjected to significant increases, threatening the viability to continuing operations for existing as well as new customers,” the document said. 

Other items on the list included a $100 million upgrade to the Mount Isa rail corridor, creating an exploration subsidy in line with a North West blueprint, sealing the remaining dirt of the Hann Highway, and building a new hospital for Richmond. 

The list also urges the government to encourage investors to build a multi-user load out facility in Cloncurry and in Mount Isa. 

“Getting information from the grassroots is very important to people at a high level in Brisbane,” Mr Graham said. 

“Someone who has brought this and delivered it to them is a great beginning in the process.” 

MITEZ represents the industry interests for seven local councils. As its name suggests, these councils are Mount Isa, Townsville, and five in between.