Regional development organisation Mount Isa to Townsville Economic Zone has released 12 key regional priorities to strengthen the economic corridor between Mount Isa and Townsville.
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The priorities including getting a commitment to keep the Mount Isa copper smelter open as well as progressing Copper String 2.0.
MITEZ will ask candidates in the state election to commit to the 12 priorities saying the Queensland government needed to back the region to create more investment, growth and jobs.
MITEZ wants to see more investment in national, regional and local roads including the Flinders, Barkly and Landsborough Hwys and also to progress water storage proposals to help agricultural enterprises.
The priorities also include a regional corrections and training facility which MITEZ says would provide meaningful employment, skills and rehabilitation that can help people in their own community.
MITEZ President David Glasson said members were consulted in recent weeks to provide input to the priorities which were discussed at its general meeting in Charters Towers on August 28.
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"The MITEZ corridor is a significant contributor to the Queensland and Australian economy and to enable it to contribute further then Governments need to increase their support particularly in the areas identified in our 12 key points" he said.
"We now need to explain the importance of our 12 priority issues to elected representatives and local candidates for the State election to be held on October 31."
Mr Glasson said over the next few weeks, MITEZ would contact government ministers and opposition counterparts about the priorities.
The 12 priorities are
1. Greater recognition by Government of the importance of mining and agriculture to Queensland's economy.
2. Support to continue Copper Smelter at Mount Isa.
3. Policies Supporting Economic Development.
4. Support for Significant Energy Projects.
5. Future Gas Supply and Pricing for North West Industry
6. Support on-going development of agriculture.
7. Infrastructure Enablers for Industry growth.
8. Regional Roads Upgrades.
9. Support to investigate opportunities for economic development.
10. Locality factors and regional incentives.
11. Lifestyle/Liveability and Population.
12. North West Regional Corrections and Training Facility.
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