Australian Mining Cities Alliance Launched

Press Release 7 December 2017

Today in Canberra the Minister for Resources and Northern Australia, Senator Matt Canavan, joined the mayors of the mining towns of Mount Isa, Kalgoorlie-Boulder and Broken Hill to formally launch the Australian Mining Cities Alliance (the Alliance).

The Alliance is a new initiative aimed at making sure Australia’s mining cities have a collective voice and to maximise cooperation with Australia’s mining industry which underpins the economies of so many communities across Australia, especially in rural and remote areas.

Spearheaded by the three founding local governments of Mount Isa, Kalgoorlie-Boulder and Broken Hill, the Alliance will build a network of Australia’s mining communities, share knowledge and experience, and strengthen relationships with the mining industry across Australia.

Minister Canavan said it was clear why the Alliance had come into existence. Congratulating the three mayors, Minister Canavan said, “Australia’s mining cities know first-hand the importance of our country’s mining industry. It is pleasing to see the leadership being shown by local government to make sure that communities which work most closely with the mining industry have their voices heard.”

Although only just formed, the Alliance is already attracting a great deal of interest. Following the announcement of its formation in October 2017 in Port Augusta, and now its formal launch, the AMCA will shift into operational mode in 2018.

Alliance chair, Kalgoorlie-Boulder Mayor, John Bowler, said the Alliance would now begin to reach out to corporate partners and Australia’s local governments to build the Alliance’s membership and support base.

“We assess there are at least 50 mining cities across Australia, and we will invite them to join the Alliance to build our network and deepen our collective expertise. We will also be reaching out to Australia’s mining companies to join our Alliance with whom we have close, long-standing and inter-dependent relationships.

Mount Isa was another founding member of the Alliance. Mount Isa Mayor, Joyce McCulloch, said the North-West Queensland Minerals Province was one of the largest of its kind in the world. Mayor McCulloch said the future of many of the cities in the north and west of Queensland was vitally intertwined with the mining industry.

“Since the announcement of the Alliance in October 2017, I have received nothing but positive feedback – this was an idea whose time had come,” Mayor McCulloch said.

“We can only imagine what will be possible when other mining cities join us.

The City of Broken was the third founding member. The Mayor of Broken Hill, the Darriea Turley, said the Alliance would extend an open invitation to other councils and mining companies – big and small – to join the group and collaborate on campaigns.

“Australia’s mining cities working together will undoubtedly help us to strengthen our respective futures,” Mayor Turley said.

“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.”

Mayor Bowler said the Alliance would work to ensure that state/territory and federal government policies and processes protect jobs and enable new industries to set up and thrive in regional Australia.

“In 2018 we will be working swiftly to finalise a work and research program so that we can continue to improve the future for our communities.”