Regional development organisation Mount Isa to Townsville Economic Zone (MITEZ) has released 12 regional election priorities with the aim to strengthen and grow the economic corridor between Mount Isa and Townsville.

All MITEZ members had all been consulted to provide input to the final list of priorities which were discussed at the recent general meeting, MITEZ president David Glasson said.

“It’s well recognised that the MITEZ corridor is a significant contributor to the Queensland and Australian economy and to enable it to contribute further then governments need to increase their support particularly in the areas identified in our 12 key points” Mr Glasson said.

“We now have the task to communicate and explain the importance of each of our 12 priority issues to our elected representatives and local candidates for the State election to be held on October 31.”

They include:

• Greater recognition by government of the importance of mining and agriculture to Queensland’s economy.
• Support to continue copper smelter at Mount Isa.
• Policies supporting economic development.                                            
• Support for significant energy projects.
• Future gas supply and pricing for North West industry.                                        
• Support on-going development of agriculture.                
• Infrastructure enablers for industry growth.        
• Regional roads upgrades.                                                           
• Support to investigate opportunities for economic development.
• Locality factors and regional incentives.
• Lifestyle/liveability and population.
• North West regional corrections and training facility.

“Over the next few weeks, MITEZ will also be contacting the relevant government ministers and their opposition counterparts responsible for making decisions and policies in regard to these issues,” Mr Glasson said.

The full document explaining the MITEZ regional priorities is available on the MITEZ website www.mitez.com.au from Tuesday, September 15.