Building a Future Ready Economy in Mount Isa
Tracks
Meeting 9
| Wednesday, July 23, 2025 |
| 11:50 AM - 12:10 PM |
| Meeting Room 9 |
Overview
Lizzie Webb, The Next Economy and Tim Rose, Mount Isa City Council
Speaker
Tim Rose
CEO
Mount Isa City Council
Building a Future Ready Economy in Mount Isa
Presentation Overview
Mount Isa, like many industrial regions globally, is at the crossroads of major economic transformation. The world is changing in this critical decade to transition away from fossil fuels. In Australia, net zero policies such as the Future Made in Australia Plan aim to boost domestic industrial capability and secure future trade, whilst decarbonising industry.
With the right planning and investment, Mount Isa can be a global player in a decarbonising world by producing and exporting critical minerals and materials. The region’s mining legacy offers a skilled workforce, established industrial capacity and a reputation for innovation in mining technology and practices. The region is set to significantly expand its renewable energy generation and storage, enabling Mount Isa to become a leader in green minerals processing.
However, the pending closure of Glencore’s copper operations requires immediate action to sustain Mount Isa’s workforce, diversify economic activity and attract business. Concurrently, issues across infrastructure, planning and social development need to be addressed for the City to survive and thrive.
In this context, Mount Isa City Council with The Next Economy and Climate-KIC Australia, have developed the Mount Isa Future Ready Economy Roadmap. It presents a clear vision for the region for the medium to long term based on the insights of industry, government, experts, Traditional Owners, business leaders and community.
This presentation shares the imperative and opportunity for economic diversification in Mount Isa, and outlines Council’s bold approach to securing a future for its city through proactive planning and action. It demonstrates how a region in transition can adopt a future ready economy agenda, with an integrated focus on decarbonisation, climate adaptation, circular design and liveability. Council is now calling for the designation of a special economic zone as a matter of urgency for the region, and as a strategic priority for government.
With the right planning and investment, Mount Isa can be a global player in a decarbonising world by producing and exporting critical minerals and materials. The region’s mining legacy offers a skilled workforce, established industrial capacity and a reputation for innovation in mining technology and practices. The region is set to significantly expand its renewable energy generation and storage, enabling Mount Isa to become a leader in green minerals processing.
However, the pending closure of Glencore’s copper operations requires immediate action to sustain Mount Isa’s workforce, diversify economic activity and attract business. Concurrently, issues across infrastructure, planning and social development need to be addressed for the City to survive and thrive.
In this context, Mount Isa City Council with The Next Economy and Climate-KIC Australia, have developed the Mount Isa Future Ready Economy Roadmap. It presents a clear vision for the region for the medium to long term based on the insights of industry, government, experts, Traditional Owners, business leaders and community.
This presentation shares the imperative and opportunity for economic diversification in Mount Isa, and outlines Council’s bold approach to securing a future for its city through proactive planning and action. It demonstrates how a region in transition can adopt a future ready economy agenda, with an integrated focus on decarbonisation, climate adaptation, circular design and liveability. Council is now calling for the designation of a special economic zone as a matter of urgency for the region, and as a strategic priority for government.
Biography
Tim Rose is the current Chief Executive Officer of Mount Isa City Council. He is a former CEO of Local Buy Pty Ltd, Burnett Shire Council and Bowen Shire Council, as well as a former acting CEO of Diamantina Shire, Mapoon Aboriginal Shire, and Quilpie Shire councils. Tim has a Bachelor of Business, an MBA and is a graduate from the Institute of Company Directors.
Tim is passionate about regional Queensland and has spent a fair proportion of his career pursuing economic development opportunities through his work in local government that will allow the communities to reach their full potential.
Lizzie Webb
Chief Operating Officer
The Next Economy
Building a Future Ready Economy in Mount Isa
Presentation Overview
Mount Isa, like many industrial regions globally, is at the crossroads of major economic transformation. The world is changing in this critical decade to transition away from fossil fuels. In Australia, net zero policies such as the Future Made in Australia Plan aim to boost domestic industrial capability and secure future trade, whilst decarbonising industry.
With the right planning and investment, Mount Isa can be a global player in a decarbonising world by producing and exporting critical minerals and materials. The region’s mining legacy offers a skilled workforce, established industrial capacity and a reputation for innovation in mining technology and practices. The region is set to significantly expand its renewable energy generation and storage, enabling Mount Isa to become a leader in green minerals processing.
However, the pending closure of Glencore’s copper operations requires immediate action to sustain Mount Isa’s workforce, diversify economic activity and attract business. Concurrently, issues across infrastructure, planning and social development need to be addressed for the City to survive and thrive.
In this context, Mount Isa City Council with The Next Economy and Climate-KIC Australia, have developed the Mount Isa Future Ready Economy Roadmap. It presents a clear vision for the region for the medium to long term based on the insights of industry, government, experts, Traditional Owners, business leaders and community.
This presentation shares the imperative and opportunity for economic diversification in Mount Isa, and outlines Council’s bold approach to securing a future for its city through proactive planning and action. It demonstrates how a region in transition can adopt a future ready economy agenda, with an integrated focus on decarbonisation, climate adaptation, circular design and liveability. Council is now calling for the designation of a special economic zone as a matter of urgency for the region, and as a strategic priority for government.
With the right planning and investment, Mount Isa can be a global player in a decarbonising world by producing and exporting critical minerals and materials. The region’s mining legacy offers a skilled workforce, established industrial capacity and a reputation for innovation in mining technology and practices. The region is set to significantly expand its renewable energy generation and storage, enabling Mount Isa to become a leader in green minerals processing.
However, the pending closure of Glencore’s copper operations requires immediate action to sustain Mount Isa’s workforce, diversify economic activity and attract business. Concurrently, issues across infrastructure, planning and social development need to be addressed for the City to survive and thrive.
In this context, Mount Isa City Council with The Next Economy and Climate-KIC Australia, have developed the Mount Isa Future Ready Economy Roadmap. It presents a clear vision for the region for the medium to long term based on the insights of industry, government, experts, Traditional Owners, business leaders and community.
This presentation shares the imperative and opportunity for economic diversification in Mount Isa, and outlines Council’s bold approach to securing a future for its city through proactive planning and action. It demonstrates how a region in transition can adopt a future ready economy agenda, with an integrated focus on decarbonisation, climate adaptation, circular design and liveability. Council is now calling for the designation of a special economic zone as a matter of urgency for the region, and as a strategic priority for government.
Biography
Lizzie is a social business leader and COO at The Next Economy, where she works to support regions to navigate the growing disruptions and challenges associated with the need to decarbonise the economy.
Lizzie has 20 years of experience leading start-up organisations and teams in the non-profit and social enterprises sectors, including work with communities in regional and remote Australia. She is a former chair and director of The Next Economy and has held CEO positions with Kindred Spirits Enterprises and Engineers Without Borders Australia. In addition, Lizzie has significant experience as a voluntary director with social enterprise and non-profit boards including xpand Foundation, FREO2 Foundation, ATEC, Robogals and Co-Design Studio.
