The Queensland Government is investing almost $346,000 to support the critical minerals industry in Julia Creek, Queensland.
The investment will support master planning for the town’s western expansion area, accelerating the delivery of new housing.
At least seven critical minerals projects have been proposed for the Julia Creek-Richmond Critical Minerals Zone, enhancing construction and long-term employment opportunities in the area.
This investment follows the announcement of new legislation that intends to fast-track the next wave of critical mineral developments.
Legislation amendments were made to the State Development and Public Works Organisation Act 1971 in early June, intended to streamline the delivery of critical mineral projects across the state, as reported.
The reforms are designed to improve coordination, reduce duplication, and provide greater certainty for major projects.
Minister for Natural Resources and Mines, Regional and Rural Development Dale Last says the Queensland Government is focused on growing vibrant regional communities based on Queensland’s resources sector.
“Right across Queensland we have strong regional communities that thrive on the economic activity the resources industry brings to these towns,” Last says.
“Queensland’s critical minerals industry is drawing major foreign investment and the Crisafulli Government is unlocking housing in towns like Julia Creek to take advantage of the boom.
“These proposed mines mean thousands of jobs for northwest Queensland that will require people moving to the area to work on these new critical minerals projects. That’s why we’re supporting the McKinlay Shire Council to identify what’s needed to unlock this new housing estate to the west of Julia Creek.
“Julia Creek is penned to be the epicentre of Queensland’s critical minerals rush and through this work and the Crisafulli Government’s Residential Activation Fund we are planning for and building more houses in regional Queensland right where they’re needed.”
McKinlay Shire Council Mayor Janene Fegan says jumping into planning now is crucial to help meet the future needs of Julia Creek.
“Agriculture has always been a pillar of our local economy but it is exciting to see the development of the critical minerals industry around Julia Creek, the main centre of our shire,” Fegan says.
“We’d love to see more people move out here and experience living in the heart of the northwest and we’re grateful for the state government’s support to help us to plan for the town’s expansion.
“The work we’re doing now will help us lay the groundwork for a vibrant Julia Creek that will support the mining community for decades to come.”
The investment comes as North West Queensland continues to attract attention from critical minerals and base metals explorers.
Mining in North West Queensland
Just 137km west of Julia Creek, about a 90-minute drive away, sits Cloncurry.
Cloncurry is a major mining hub in North West Queensland, prospective for copper, gold, and zinc extraction.
The area is home to Renegade Exploration’s (ASX:RNX) Cloncurry Copper Project, which is positioned near key structural corridors.
The broader North West Minerals Province hosts significant copper, gold, and critical minerals opportunities and is where Renegade’s origin story began.
The company is now emerging with a North American presence, with five projects in Nevada’s Walker Lane trend in the US and the Yukon Base Metals Project in Canada.
Renegade Exploration is an Australian-based exploration and development company with assets in both Australia and North America.
Write to Maddison Elliott at Mining.com.au
Images: McKinlay Shire Council & Renegade Exploration
