Three cities come together in newly formed mining alliance - The North West Star

The mayors of Mount Isa, Kalgoorlie-Boulder and Broken Hill have formed an alliance to back development and jobs growth in regional Australia.

The mayors formed an Australian Mining Cities Alliance at the Sustainable Economic Growth for Regional Australia conference in Port Augusta last week.

Alliance chair and Kalgoorlie-Boulder Mayor John Bowler said they wanted to share knowledge and experience and strengthen relationships with the mining industry across Australia.

“Many Australian mining cities have long histories in mining and processing ores, and have generated great wealth over many decades,” Mayor Bowler said.

“But when downtimes come, these same mining cities are often hit hard with people losing their jobs and businesses leaving town. By tapping into our collective experience and pooling resources, we can better address these challenges and pursue opportunities in a collaborative way.”

Mount Isa Mayor Joyce McCulloch said it was vital regional Australia’s mining cities had a loud and united voice. “Our aim is to position the Alliance as a powerful educational and advocacy force,” Cr McCulloch said.

“Local councils are the voice of hundreds of local communities across Australia which are often dependent on a single large mining project or commodity.

“If that employer or prospective new job-generating industry is impeded by bureaucratic delays and processes, it’s our communities, and our families, that pay the price.”

Cr McCulloch said local councils were the voice of hundreds of local communities across Australia which are often dependent on a single large mining project or commodity.

“Our aim is to position the Alliance as a powerful educational and advocacy force,” she said.

The Mayor of Broken Hill Darriea Turley said the Alliance would extend an open invitation to other councils and mining companies to join the group and collaborate on campaigns.

“The Alliance will prove vital in helping local governments diversify their economies, and create more vibrant societies in which families and individuals can build rewarding lives,” she said.

The Alliance will be formally launched before the end of this year.