Mining towns a game of boom and trust

An AAP report says that mining boom towns in outback Australia are a unique concept.

Usually born on a chance discovery of ore, they sprout up from the dust at the speed of light, only to be demolished at a similar speed if the metal runs dry. And then – again – nothing.

Then there are the lucky mining towns that are still producing, still welcoming new workers by the month, looking forward to a vibrant future – and changing faster than a regenerating innercity suburb.

Mount Isa, which boasts one of the single most productive mines in world history (based on a combined production of lead, silver, copper and zinc), is now home to almost 24,000 people and 50 different nationalities.

The boom vibe is everywhere. Expensive cars and four wheel drives – surprisingly shiny despite the dust – weave through the streets. And the town’s legendary watering holes buzz with the hubbub of mining banter.

Mount Isa’s Mayor John Molony describes the town as “a good place for young families who want to come somewhere new, take advantage of the mining boom and save some money”.

It’s true you can save money here (mining salaries in Mount Isa range from between $A105,000 (NZ$135,083) and $A120,000 per annum). But locals say that’s because there isn’t much to spend it on.

While all basic shopping, food and entertainment needs are catered for (Mount Isa even has its own theatrical society), there is not the variety and choice that those coming here from large towns and cities are used to.

“We need more food shops and restaurants, and clothing’s a bit of an issue,” said Debbie Truss, a Brisbane woman who moved to the Isa a couple of years ago when her boyfriend got work in the mines. “We have the mainstream brands and a few independent boutiques but they know they can charge high prices because there isn’t the competition.”

Mount Isa’s market holes and per capita wealth are all good news for entrepreneurs. And the town will likely see new businesses spring up over the next few years.

And good news for those moving here: You won’t find friendlier people than in an outback mining town.

“One benefit of transient populations is that they can often be very welcoming and open to new people,” said Kylie Garner, who moved here from Brisbane two years ago and now works as web and graphic design officer for Mount Isa’s infamous rodeo, held every August.

“The town also makes a lot of sport and recreation as it is difficult, and expensive, to get out,” she added. “Since I moved here from Brisbane, I’ve taken up so many sports for the first time. It’s great.”

Mount Isa’s focus on sport has benefited more than just the locals. It has given Australia AFL player Simon Black, cricketer Gerard Denton, rugby league players Gene Miles, Scott Prince and Carl Webb, golfer Greg Norman and tennis player Pat Rafter.

Greenery is also important for outback dwellers and Mount Isa City Council has tried to make the town green, clean and tidy through its ongoing beautification scheme. So far the programme has, among other things, landscaped gardens, resurfaced roads and improved shop fronts.

“I recently travelled overland from Broome to Townsville and there was nowhere as nice and tidy as Mount Isa,” the mayor said proudly.

But there are some things in Mount Isa that mining boom cash cannot change.

One of the town’s biggest problems is lack of space for housing – ironic for a town in the midst of the outback.

This is because much of the land is owned by the mining companies, which use it for exploration purposes. Local Aboriginal communities also own land here.

Renting is particularly hard here. Molony says there is almost twice the number of people to rental accommodation available.

To make matters worse, there’s a shortage of builders, because many have dropped tools in search of more hefty salaries down the mines.

In the absence of a neighbour (the closest town, Cloncurry, is one and a half hours by road), caravan parks are taking the overflow.

There are also new housing developments in the planning. But some locals who cannot wait have resorted to flying builders up from Brisbane.

It’s not just builders, though, who are heading to the mining companies.

Tradespeople such as plumbers, electricians, builders and engineers are also in short supply, says Molony.

And hairdressers here are worth their weight in gold.

With the mines encouraging women to drive their trucks (they are better at reporting problems and listening to instructions, allegedly), and hairdressers hunting the bigger buck, local ladies are having to book hairstyling appointments for the Rodeo Ball in August as early as April.

The mining companies even have trouble filling some spots, particularly with Western Australian mines paying, on average, higher wages.

To deal with workforce shortages, some organisations in the town, such as construction and training company Myuma, have started offering entry-level training schemes to train people in sought-after trades.

This is more good news for new arrivals.

Ask the locals what they dislike most about living in Mount Isa, though, and most will tell you it’s the isolation and expensive flights.

The cheap flight revolution sweeping Australia seems to have bypassed remote towns like Mount Isa. It costs around $A700 to fly to Brisbane and back, and around $A400 return to get to Townsville on the coast.

There are also the health concerns associated with living here.

Recent reports from Queensland Health have revealed that a significant amount of children in Mount Isa have lead levels that could impair behavioural and intellectual development.

The mayor is keen to keep the issue in perspective and locals are being told to minimise lead poisoning by washing food (and their hands) before they eat, landscape their gardens with good grass coverage (particularly where children play); keep pets clean and out of the house, and keep work clothes clean and high up away from children.

Despite its issues, Mount Isa’s future appears self-assured. As Mount Isa Mines pushes to keep up with relentless demand for its minerals, the town should see more growth, new housing, new people, new shops and new facilities – maybe even some airline competition.

But the present isn’t bad either. As the mayor says, “it’s a wonderful time to be alive in Mount Isa”.  

A Report by The Mole from AAP