The Mount Isa Regional Jobs Committee (RJC) is delivering local solutions to local workforce challenges through our Annual Action Plan. This plan outlines strategic, community-led initiatives designed to improve job opportunities, strengthen training pathways and support economic growth in Mount Isa and Camooweal.
We stay flexible and responsive—adapting to economic shifts and government priorities as they arise. Progress is reviewed regularly and shared with our partners and community.
What We’re Tackling
Mount Isa faces unique challenges, including:
Skills shortages and gaps in training opportunities
Youth employment barriers and limited career pathways
Heavy reliance on FIFO workers
Closure of key industries and the need to diversify the economy
Geographic isolation and high living costs impacting workforce attraction
Limited access to education, identification and early childhood services—especially in First Nations communities
How the Plan Was Created
This plan was built with and for the community.
From the beginning, the Mount Isa RJC has prioritised genuine engagement—listening to local voices, insights and lived experiences across Mount Isa and Camooweal. Through community forums, stakeholder workshops, working groups and one-on-one conversations, we’ve gathered real stories, local knowledge and practical solutions.
The result is a shared vision for workforce development—driven by data, guided by collaboration and grounded in a common goal: to increase economic participation and create lasting opportunities for all members of our community.
This is a plan shaped by Mount Isa LGA, for Mount Isa LGA.
Summary of Key Initiatives
The Mount Isa RJC is leading the way with locally driven, community-focused solutions to address workforce challenges and unlock new opportunities across our region.
Our initiatives are strategic, inclusive and designed with the unique needs of Mount Isa and Camooweal in mind—ensuring that local voices shape local action.
1. Building the Racing Industry
Mount Isa and North West Queensland are vital to the future of country racing—but local workforce shortages, particularly in jockey and stable roles, mean the industry currently relies on FIFO workers.
At the same time, many local people—especially young people and First Nations community members—are seeking meaningful training and employment pathways.
What we’re doing
The Mount Isa Regional Jobs Committee is partnering with Racing Queensland to create a locally led pathway into racing careers.
This initiative will:
- Provide hands-on racing industry experiences
- Deliver practical workshops and immersion activities
- Offer access to nationally recognised training (Certificate II in Racing Industry)
- Support culturally safe and community-led participation
- Build sustainable pathways into real local jobs
Why it matters
- Creates local job opportunities in a growing industry
- Reduces reliance on FIFO workers
- Strengthens First Nations participation and inclusion
- Supports a sustainable, locally trained workforce
- Builds pride in Mount Isa’s racing industry
Get involved
Interested in a career in the Racing Industry?
👉 Scan the QR code or click the link below to find out more and register your interest.
Racing Industry – Expression of Interest (EOI) – Fill out form
2. Getting Project Ready – Business Capability Building
For Mount Isa businesses to grow and compete in major regional projects—including mining, tourism, government contracts and infrastructure—they need to be project ready.
Right now, many local businesses face challenges navigating procurement processes, meeting compliance standards, and building the capability needed to secure contracts. At the same time, tourism and hospitality operators need stronger workforce pathways to support growth.
What we’re doing
The Mount Isa Regional Jobs Committee is delivering a coordinated capability-building program to help local businesses succeed.
This initiative will:
- Deliver practical workshops on tendering, compliance, safety and workforce planning
- Provide hands-on support to prepare businesses for procurement opportunities
- Host meet-the-supplier events to connect local businesses with buyers and project leads
- Support a tourism and hospitality capability event showcasing local talent and career pathways
- Partner with key organisations to deliver industry-aligned training and support
Why it matters
- Helps businesses become competitive and contract-ready
- Increases local participation in major projects and supply chains
- Builds a stronger tourism and hospitality workforce
- Supports First Nations participation and local talent development
- Strengthens Mount Isa’s economic resilience and growth
Get involved
Want to grow your business and access new opportunities?
👉 Scan the QR code or click the link below to register your interest and find out more.
Strengthening North West Queensland – Business Survey – Fill out form
3. Building Early Years Workforce
Mount Isa is experiencing a growing demand for qualified early childhood educators—particularly Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander educators who play a vital role in supporting culture, family connection and children’s development.
With more than 400+ births annually, a strong, locally trained early years workforce is critical to ensuring children are school-ready and supported from the start.
What we’re doing
The Mount Isa Regional Jobs Committee is building a strong, culturally informed early years workforce.
This initiative will:
- Increase access to training and qualifications (Certificate III, Diploma and teaching pathways)
- Strengthen Early Years Networks and cross-sector collaboration
- Support culturally safe training and mentoring opportunities
- Partner with early learning services, schools and training providers to co-design solutions
- Deliver workforce planning and data to guide future investment
Why it matters
- Improves school readiness and early learning outcomes for children
- Strengthens First Nations workforce participation
- Supports families, culture and community connection
- Builds a sustainable pipeline of qualified local educators
- Drives long-term economic participation and community wellbeing
Get involved
Interested in training or working in Early Childhood Education?
👉 Scan the QR code or click the link below to find out more and register your interest.
First Nations Early Years Workforce – Expression of Interest (EOI) – Fill out form
"Each initiative is locally led, action-focused, and designed to deliver real impact—driving a stronger, more resilient workforce across Mount Isa and Camooweal. These initiatives also play a vital role in building capacity and capability within our RJC Committee, Working Groups, and broader stakeholder network—laying the foundations for sustained collaboration, community-driven solutions, and future leadership across the region".
