A AU$4.7 million memorial honouring 150 miners who lost their lives on the job will be constructed in Mount Isa as part of an investment package designed to back the city’s economic transition.
Jointly funded by the Queensland government, Glencore, and the Mount Isa City Council, the memorial will be built atop Frank Aston Hill overlooking the iconic Mount Isa Mines.
Construction of the landmark, featuring memorial panels, shaded areas, amphitheatre seating, and quiet spaces for reflection, is scheduled for completion by late 2027.
The state government is committing AU$2 million to the tribute as part of a broader AU$6 million rollout under the Mount Isa Transition Fund. The package aims to support local infrastructure, diversify the economy, and secure long-term liveability for the north-west Queensland mining hub.
Additional projects funded under the initiative include more than AU$1.7 million to establish a Small Business Incubator, AU$1 million towards a 110-hectare Circular Economy Industrial Estate, AU$500,000 for CBD residential and commercial planning, AU$500,000 in dollar-for-dollar shopfront revitalisation grants, and AU$285,500 for a Critical Minerals and Rare Earths Element Research Centre business case.
Deputy Premier Jarrod Bleijie said the long-awaited memorial delivers a lasting space for families and the community to honour those who built the region’s prosperity.
“For generations, mining families have contributed enormously to Mount Isa’s success and prosperity, and this memorial will provide a place for reflection, remembrance and respect,” Bleijie said.
“We are backing projects that are about supporting jobs, housing, liveability and confidence in Mount Isa’s future.”
Glencore Metals Australia General Manager Maryann Wipaki noted that while safety performance has improved over time, the AU$2 million corporate contribution serves as a permanent reminder of industry responsibilities.
Minister for Natural Resources and Mines Dale Last added that the memorial would ensure the miners who have lost their lives are never forgotten.
Mount Isa City Council Mayor Peta MacRae welcomed the state support, highlighting that the dual focus on heritage and future economic infrastructure shows strong confidence in the city’s resilience.
