View source for Mount Isa

{{Short description|City in Queensland, Australia}}
{{This|the city|the former Queensland electoral district|Electoral district of Mount Isa|the local government area|City of Mount Isa}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=October 2016}}
{{Use Australian English|date=May 2014}}
{{GeoGroup}}
{{Infobox Australian place
| type                = city
| name                = Mount Isa
| state               = qld
| image               = {{photomontage
| photo1a = Mount Isa Lookout Panorama.JPG{{!}}Mount Isa panorama
| photo2a = Mount Isa, Queensland - Lake Moondarra.jpg{{!}}Lake Moondarra
| photo2b = Mount Isa, Queensland - The Sign.jpg{{!}}Mount Isa sign 
| photo3a = Mt Isa Mine Stack - panoramio (1).jpg{{!}}Mount Isa Mine Stack
| photo3b = Looking south along West Street from the intersection with Rodeo Drive, Mount Isa City, 2019.jpg{{!}}Mount Isa city centre
| photo4a = Mount Isa, Queensland - Night.jpg{{!}}Mount Isa at night
| spacing = 2 | border = 0 |color = #F2F2F2 | size = 270}}
| caption = Top to bottom, left to right: Mount Isa panorama; [[Lake Moondarra]]; ''The Sign'', Mount Isa Mines stack, Mount Isa City; Mount Isa at night
| coordinates         = {{coord|-20.7261|139.4938|type:city_region:AU-QLD|display=inline,title|name=Mount Isa (town centre)}}
| pop                 = 18,317
| pop_year            = {{CensusAU|2021}}
| pop_footnotes       = <ref name=Census2021/>
| established         = 1923
| postcode            = 4825
| area                = 68.7
| timezone            = [[AEST]]
| utc                 = +10:00
| dist1               = 904 <!-- road distances as per template instructions -->
| dir1                = W
| location1           = [[Townsville]]
| dist2               = 1826
| dir2                = NW
| location2           = [[Brisbane]]
| dist3               = 
| dir3                = 
| location3           = 
| dist4               = 
| dir4                = 
| location4           =
| elevation           = 356
| maxtemp             = 31.9
| mintemp             = 17.3
| rainfall            = 461.8
| lga                 = [[City of Mount Isa]]
| stategov            = [[Electoral district of Traeger|Traeger]]
| fedgov              = [[Division of Kennedy|Kennedy]]
}}
'''Mount Isa''' ({{IPAc-en|ˈ|aɪ|z|ə}} {{respell|EYE|zə}}) is a city in the [[Gulf Country]] region of [[Queensland]], [[Australia]].<ref>{{cite QPN|23053|Mount Isa|population centre in City of Mount Isa|access-date=8 April 2020}}</ref> It came into existence because of the vast mineral deposits found in the area. [[Mount Isa Mines]] (MIM) is one of the most productive mines in world history, based on combined production of [[lead]], [[silver]], [[copper]] and [[zinc]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.australianexplorer.com/mt_isa.htm|title=Mt Isa|website=www.australianexplorer.com|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170712231834/https://www.australianexplorer.com/mt_isa.htm|archive-date=12 July 2017|df=dmy-all|access-date=19 August 2008}}</ref>

The copper mine is scheduled to close in October 2025 and the future of the town's copper smelting plant is in question.<ref>[https://australiatimes.com/mount-isa-copper-smelter-faces-closure-amid-industry-concerns Australia Times: "Mount Isa Copper Smelter Faces Closure Amid Industry Concerns" 25 Sept 2025]</ref> 

Before European contact, the Mount Isa region was part of an expansive trade network spanning the entire [[Lake Eyre basin|Lake Eyre Basin]] and beyond. In particular, it was a valued source of stone for stone tools such as [[Hand axe|hand axes]].<ref name=":02">Davidson, Iain; Cook, Nick; Fischer, Matthew; Ridges, Malcolm; Ross, June; Sutton, Stephen (2005). "Archaeology in Another Country: Exchange and Symbols in North-West Central Queensland" (PDF). In Macfarlane, Ingereth; Mountain, Mary-Jane; Paton, Robert (eds.). Many Exchanges: Archaeology, History, Community and the Work of Isabel McBryde. Canberra: Aboriginal History Inc. pp. 101–128. {{ISBN|0-9585637-7-2}}</ref>

In the {{CensusAU|2021}}, the town of Mount Isa had a population of 18,317 people,<ref name=Census2021/> making Mount Isa the administrative, commercial and industrial centre for the state's vast north-western region.  Although situated in an arid area, the artificial [[Lake Moondarra]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mountisawater.qld.gov.au/|title=Mount Isa Water Board - Trustee of Lake Moondarra, Mount Isa|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141004212145/http://www.mountisawater.qld.gov.au/|archive-date=4 October 2014|df=dmy-all}}</ref> {{convert|19|km|mi}} north of the city on the [[Leichhardt River]] provides both drinking water and an area for watersports, birdwatching and recreation. Locals often refer to Mount Isa as "The Isa".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mountisa.qld.gov.au/en_US/about-isa|title=Official Mt. Isa page, using "The Isa" term|access-date=20 November 2017|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160816214038/http://www.mountisa.qld.gov.au/en_US/about-isa|archive-date=16 August 2016|df=dmy-all}}</ref>

== Geography ==
The [[Leichhardt River]] divides the city into areas known as "mineside" and "townside". [[Xstrata]], the power station and the Airport are on the mineside, whilst the majority of the city, including the [[Central Business District|CBD]] and Base Hospital are on the townside. In recent years,{{when|date=January 2012}} population increases associated with the mining boom has increased demand for accommodation and land.{{citation needed|date=January 2012}}  The city had spread out, with new suburbs in the south-east and north of the city being planned or developed. Planned expansions can cater for more than 40,000 people.<ref>http://www.northweststar.com.au/news/local/news/general/people-have-nowhere-to-live/329190.aspx {{dead link|date=February 2018|bot=InternetArchiveBot|fix-attempted=yes}}</ref>

; Mineside
*[[Happy Valley, Queensland (Mount Isa)|Happy Valley]] – includes Happy Valley State School, St Joseph's Catholic Primary School, and Captain James Cook Park
*[[Kalkadoon, Queensland|Kalkadoon]] – includes [[Mount Isa Airport]] and Kalkadoon Park
* [[Mica Creek, Queensland|Mica Creek]] – includes [[CS Energy]] [[Mica Creek Power Station]]
* [[Miles End, Queensland|Miles End]] – includes Mount Isa Civic Centre and railway station
* [[Parkside, Queensland|Parkside]] – Mount Isa's largest and oldest suburb. Contains the Irish Club, Parkside Flats complex, and Playway Park
* [[Soldiers Hill, Queensland|Soldiers Hill]] – All streets and parks named after war locations and soldiers, such as Kokoda Road and Gallipoli Park
* Hilton – This neighbourhood is also known as Mineside and is to the west of the railway line as is Mount Isa Mines and the Incitec Pivot Sulphuric Acid plant. It contains some employee housing, particularly for managers and visiting staff from Xstrata, Casa Grande; a white brick mansion built for the visit of Queen Elizabeth II; now used for the annual Casa Grande Ball, and some mine operations. 

; Townside
* [[Breakaway, Queensland|Breakaway]] – Semi-rural acreages
* [[Fisher, Queensland|Fisher]]
* [[Healy, Queensland|Healy]] – Residential suburb, site of Healy State School
* [[Lanskey, Queensland|Lanskey]]
* [[Menzies, Queensland|Menzies]] – includes Buchanan Park events complex, Stables and Racecourse, site of Good Shepherd Catholic College
* [[Mornington, Queensland|Mornington]]
* [[Mount Isa City, Queensland|Mount Isa City]] – The Central Business District, site of Mount Isa Central State School
* [[Pioneer, Queensland|Pioneer]] – includes a campus of [[TAFE Queensland North]], [[Spinifex State College|Spinifex]] Senior Campus and Ten-Pin Bowling complex, St Kierans Catholic Primary School
* [[Ryan, Queensland|Ryan]] – mostly industrial, includes army and [[State Emergency Service]] barracks, home to one company of the [[51st Battalion, Far North Queensland Regiment]]<ref>{{cite web |title=Units — 51st Battalion, Far North Queensland Regiment |url=http://www.army.gov.au/Our-people/Units/Forces-Command/2nd-Division/51st-Battalion-Far-North-Queensland-Regiment |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160911235637/http://army.gov.au/Our-people/Units/Forces-Command/2nd-Division/51st-Battalion-Far-North-Queensland-Regiment |archive-date=11 September 2016 |publisher=[[Australian Army]] |df=dmy-all}}</ref>
* [[Spreadborough, Queensland|Spreadborough]] – mostly bushland and light industry. The notable Spreadborough family still resides in the area.
* [[Sunset, Queensland|Sunset]] – Home to Sunset State Primary School, and some shopping facilities
* [[The Gap, Queensland (Mount Isa)|The Gap]]
* [[Townview, Queensland|Townview]] – Home to Townview State Primary School
* [[Winston, Queensland|Winston]]

== History ==
Long before European contact, the Mount Isa region was a centre for trade and production of [[Diabase|dolerite]] and [[basalt]]<ref name=":04">Davidson, Iain; Cook, Nick; Fischer, Matthew; Ridges, Malcolm; Ross, June; Sutton, Stephen (2005). "Archaeology in Another Country: Exchange and Symbols in North-West Central Queensland" (PDF). In Macfarlane, Ingereth; Mountain, Mary-Jane; Paton, Robert (eds.). Many Exchanges: Archaeology, History, Community and the Work of Isabel McBryde. Canberra: Aboriginal History Inc. pp. 101–128. {{ISBN|0-9585637-7-2}}.</ref> stone tools and objects. There is evidence of ground-edge stone tools as old as 20,000 years, the earliest in the world, originating from Mount Isa quarries. As of about 1000 years before the present (BP), large, ground-edge stone axes from Mount Isa were particularly prized by the peoples of the Lake Eyre Basin. They were not only valuable tools, but valuable trade items as well, and were often traded for the tobacco plant [[pituri]].<ref name=":12">Tibbett, Kevin (2002). "Archaeological Analysis of Stone Axe Exchange Networks in the Lake Eyre Basin During the Mid-to Late Holocene". Australian Archaeology (55): 22–29.</ref> Archaeologist Iain Davidson suggests that they were traded partly for reasons unrelated to function, as they were often sought after despite the availability of local resources.<ref name=":04" /><ref name=":22">Davidson, Iain (2008), "Ethnological Studies and Archaeology of North West Central Queensland", The Roth Family, Anthropology, and Colonial Administration, Routledge, {{doi|10.4324/9781315417295}}, {{ISBN|978-1-315-41729-5}}, retrieved 2024-06-01</ref> Leilira blades were also likely produced in the Mount Isa region, though dating is uncertain.<ref name=":32">Tibbett, Kevin (June 2006). "When East Is Northwest: Expanding the Archaeological Boundary for Leilira Blade Production". Australian Archaeology. 62 (1): 26–30. {{doi|10.1080/03122417.2006.11681827}}. {{ISSN|0312-2417}}.</ref>

Rock art is abundant in the region as well.<ref name=":62">Isaacson, Ken (2016-06-16). "Archaeological Reflections of a 68-Year-Old Bushman". In Nicholas, George (ed.). Being and Becoming Indigenous Archaeologists. New York: Routledge. pp. 139–145. {{doi|10.4324/9781315433134}}. {{ISBN|978-1-315-43313-4}}.</ref> It largely consists of engraved [[Rock art|petrographs]] and free-painted designs; stenciled designs are rare.<ref name=":42">Wade, Victoria; Wallis, Lynley A.; Woolgar Valley Aboriginal Corporation (June 2011). "Style, Space And Social Interaction: An Archaeological Investigation of Rock Art in Inland North Queensland, Australia". Australian Archaeology. 72 (1): 23–34. {{doi|10.1080/03122417.2011.11690528}}. {{ISSN|0312-2417}}.</ref> Rock art in the Mount Isa region varies stylistically site-by-site, and includes circular, geometric, and figurative motifs.<ref name=":52">Bednarik, R. G. (2010). Australian Rock Art of the Pleistocene. Rock Art Research, 27(1), 95–120. <nowiki>https://rockartresearch.com/index.php/rock/article/download/51/48</nowiki></ref> One figurative motif particular to the Mount Isa region is the north-west central Queensland anthropomorph figure. They are usually painted one color with an outline in a different color (often red and yellow, respectively) and have distinctive feathered headdresses, no face, and often a third leg which is variously interpreted as either a penis or a lizard's tail. These figures are found near reliable water sources, and may have been used to mark trade and travel paths between regions. Analysis indicates that the [[Ochre|ochres]] used for the paint originate over 100km southeast of Mount Isa. Davidson suggests that, like the Mount Isa stone axes, the ochre was valued for cultural reasons in addition to functional, economic reasons. This, combined with dating marking the anthropomorphs and stone axes as contemporaneous at about 1000 BP, suggests that they were all intertwined components of an extensive trade network stretching across the entire Lake Eyre Basin.<ref name=":04" />

Some rock art depicting figures and hands in the Mount Isa region, including some of the north-west central Queensland anthropomorphs, have only three fingers. The reason is unclear, but it may have a connection to the later observed common practice among Kalkadoon women of amputation of the little finger. Though Mount Isa was a centre for trade, fundamental stylistic differences suggest that there was little to no artistic exchange between the Mount Isa region and surrounding regions, aside from the anthropomorphs.<ref name=":42" />

Mount Isa is located on the traditional land of the [[Kalkadoon people|Kalkadoon]] people. The endemic language of the area was [[Kalkatungu language|Kalkatunga]] (also known as Kalkadoon, Kalkadunga, Kalkatungu).<ref>{{Cite SLQ-CC-BY|url=https://maps.slq.qld.gov.au/iyil/view/78|title=Kalkatunga|author=|date=|website=Queensland Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander languages map|access-date=28 January 2020}}</ref>[[File:One of the first camps at Mount Isa, 1923.jpg|thumb|One of the first camps at Mount Isa, 1923]]

The Kalkadoon people first came into contact with advancing European pastoralists and miners in the mid 1860s, following the [[Burke and Wills expedition|Burke and Wills]] expedition to the Cape York Peninsula in 1861.<ref>{{Cite web|title=The First European Contact|url=https://www.cherneesutton.com.au/pages/the-first-european-contact|access-date=2021-07-25|website=Chern'ee Sutton|language=en|archive-date=25 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210725044018/https://www.cherneesutton.com.au/pages/the-first-european-contact|url-status=live}}</ref> As settlers and prospectors pressed further into their lands the Kalkadoon set out on one of Australia's most successful guerrilla wars, now known as the [[Kalkadoon Wars]] which took place from about 1871 to 1884. Their success continued until at Battle Mountain in 1884, when Kalkadoon people killed five Native Police and a prominent pastoralist. Only 29 Kalkadoon people survived. In response, the Queensland Government sending a large contingent of heavily armed patrols who chased surviving tribe members. It is estimated that 900 Kalkadoon people were killed during this six-year campaign.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Indigenous Australians: Australia's First Peoples exhibition 1996-2015|url=http://australian.museum/about/history/exhibitions/indigenous-australians/|access-date=2021-07-25|website=The Australian Museum|language=en|archive-date=3 August 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210803192200/https://australian.museum/about/history/exhibitions/indigenous-australians/|url-status=live}}</ref> There is now a memorial near the site of the Black Mountain.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Battle Mountain|url=https://www.cherneesutton.com.au/pages/battle-mountain|access-date=2021-07-25|website=Chern'ee Sutton|language=en|archive-date=25 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210725044022/https://www.cherneesutton.com.au/pages/battle-mountain|url-status=live}}</ref>[[File:StateLibQld 2 239722 Greeting the officials train at Mount Isa, western Queensland.jpg|thumb|The Attorney General of Queensland, [[John Mullan (Australian politician)|John Mullan]], officially opened the railway line on 6 April 1929]]

In 1923, a lone prospector, [[John Campbell Miles]], stumbled upon one of the world's richest deposits of copper, silver and zinc during an expedition into the Northern Territory. When Miles inspected the yellow-black rocks in a nearby outcrop, they reminded him of the ore found in the Broken Hill mine that he had once worked at. Upon inspection these rocks were weighty and heavily mineralised. A sample sent away to the assayer in Cloncurry confirmed their value. Miles and four farmers staked out the first claims in the area. Taken with friend's stories of the [[Mount Ida Gold Mine|Mount Ida gold mines]] in Western Australia, Miles decided upon Mount Isa as the name for his new claim.[[File:StateLibQld 2 256762 Blast furnaces 1-2, Interior view of part of the smelter at Mt. Isa Mines, 1932.jpg|thumb|[[Smelter]] interior, 1932|left]][[File:StateLibQld 2 256694 Elevated view of the mining town of Mt. Isa, 1932.jpg|thumb|Township, 1932]]Mount Isa Post Office opened on 1 August 1924.<ref name="Post Office">{{Cite web  | last = Phoenix Auctions History  | title = Post Office List  | publisher = Phoenix Auctions  | url = http://www.phoenixauctions.com.au/cgi-bin/wsPhoenix.sh/Viewpocdwrapper.p?SortBy=QLD&filter=*Mount*Isa*  | access-date = 20 January 2021 }}</ref>[[File:StateLibQld 2 242577 Main street in Mount Isa with Smiths Hotel on the left, ca. 1936.jpg|thumb|Main street, {{circa|1936}}]]A location for the town's hospital was chosen in 1929, with a small building completed the following year.<ref name="dqh" />  In 1931, a larger structure was moved to the site from the closed mining town of Kuridala.<ref name="dqh" />[[File:Mt Isa Street Scene in June 1962.jpg|thumb|Mt Isa Street, 1962]]In 1970, [[Elizabeth II|Queen Elizabeth II]], [[Prince Edward, Duke of Edinburgh|The Duke of Edinburgh]] and [[Anne, Princess Royal|Princess Anne]] toured Australia including Queensland. The Queensland tour began on Sunday 12 April when the royal yacht ''Britannia'' entered Moreton Bay at Caloundra, sailing into Newstead Wharf. After visiting Brisbane and Longreach next on the tour was Mount Isa and while there the royals were driven to Kalkadoon Park where the royal couple witnessed a programmed event under the guidance of Ringmaster Mr. J. O’Shea. Kalkadoon Park was the original site of the famous Mount Isa rodeo. The following day, on 16 April, the Duke of Edinburgh was taken on an underground tour of the [[Mount Isa Mines|Mount Isa mine]] while Queen Elizabeth stayed above ground. The Marshalling Area around R62 Shaft Winder Tower was cleaned, and a display was set up using operational mining equipment from underground so Queen Elizabeth II could see it in action. The display was designed to demonstrate the operation of an EIMCO air powered rail mounted [[Rocker Shovel Loader|rocker shovel]] loading ore.<ref>{{SLQ-CC-BY|url=https://www.slq.qld.gov.au/blog/state-queensland-welcomes-royalty-1970-part-1-inland-tour|title=The state of Queensland welcomes royalty in 1970 - Part 1 The Inland Tour|date=6 May 2022|author(s)=Anne Scheu|accessdate=18 May 2022}}</ref>[[File:StateLibQld 2 273587 Mines in Mount Isa, 1954.jpg|thumb|Mining in 1951]]The Mount Isa City Library opened in 1974.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.plconnect.slq.qld.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0012/388497/SLQ_StatsBulletin1617_20171109.pdf|title=Queensland Public Libraries Statistical Bulletin 2016-2017|date=November 2017|website=Public Libraries Connect|publisher=State Library of Queensland|access-date=30 January 2018|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180130022546/http://www.plconnect.slq.qld.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0012/388497/SLQ_StatsBulletin1617_20171109.pdf|archive-date=30 January 2018|df=dmy-all}}</ref>

On 9 June 2000, the first torch relay in Queensland for the [[2000 Summer Olympics|Sydney 2000 Olympics]] reached Mount Isa.

In 2008, plans were made to build a massive motor sports complex on the city's north-eastern outskirts, but as of 2024 it had not been built.<ref>{{cite web |last=WALTON |first=SAMANTHA |date=7 March 2016 |title=Mt Isa wants motorsports |url=http://www.northweststar.com.au/story/3774111/mt-isa-wants-motorsports/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160817133215/http://www.northweststar.com.au/story/3774111/mt-isa-wants-motorsports/ |archive-date=17 August 2016 |df=dmy-all}}</ref>

In 2008, a [[Queensland Health]] report found that more than 10% of children in Mount Isa had [[blood lead level]]s above [[World Health Organization]] recommendations.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Langbroek |first=John-Paul |author-link=John-Paul Langbroek |date=16 April 2008 |title=Motion: Mount Isa, Documents relating to lead levels |url=https://documents.parliament.qld.gov.au/speeches/spk2008/John-Paul%20Langbroek%20spk%20Surfers%20Paradise%202008_04_16_72.pdf |access-date=25 September 2025 |website=Hansard |publisher=[[Queensland Parliament]]}}</ref> The mining operator Glencore denied responsibility and stated that the town has naturally high levels of lead in the soil.<ref>{{cite web |date=May 2008 |title=Mount Isa Community: Lead Screening Program 2006-7 |url=http://www.health.qld.gov.au/ph/documents/tphn/mtisa_leadrpt.pdf |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150929075526/https://www.health.qld.gov.au/ph/documents/tphn/mtisa_leadrpt.pdf |archive-date=29 September 2015 |access-date=12 July 2014 |publisher=[[Queensland Government]] |df=dmy-all}}</ref> However, a 2013 study led by [[Macquarie University]] environmental engineers has used lead isotope analysis to show conclusively that the lead ingested had originated from smelted ore and not surface deposits.<ref>{{cite web |date=17 June 2013 |title=Xstrata mining emissions causing lead poisoning |url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/2013-06-17/mining-emissions-in-mount-isa-cause-lead-poisoning-in-children/4757502 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150403192621/http://www.abc.net.au/news/2013-06-17/mining-emissions-in-mount-isa-cause-lead-poisoning-in-children/4757502 |archive-date=3 April 2015 |access-date=9 March 2015 |publisher=[[Australian Broadcasting Corporation]] |df=dmy-all}}</ref><ref>{{cite journal |author1=Mackay, A.K.|author2=Taylor, M.P.|author3=Munksgaard, N.C.|author4=Hudson-Edwards, K.A.|author4-link=Karen Hudson-Edwards|author5=Burn-Nunes, L. |date=September 2013 |title=Identification of environmental lead sources, pathways and forms in a mining and smelting town: Mount Isa, Australia. |journal=Environmental Pollution |volume=180 |pages=304–311 |doi=10.1016/j.envpol.2013.05.007 |pmid=23770073}}</ref>

In 2015, Mt Isa formed its own Symphony Orchestra, acclaimed as the "most remote in the world".<ref name="Orchestra">{{cite news |last=Burns |first=Chris |date=17 March 2015 |title=Mount Isa symphony orchestra 'most remote in the world' |work=Daily Advertiser |url=http://www.dailyadvertiser.com.au/story/2949693/mount-isa-symphony-orchestra-most-remote-in-the-world/?cs=2452 |url-status=live |access-date=29 July 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150713045658/http://www.dailyadvertiser.com.au/story/2949693/mount-isa-symphony-orchestra-most-remote-in-the-world/?cs=2452 |archive-date=13 July 2015 |df=dmy-all}}</ref> Inaugurated on 23 July 2015, the event attracted several stars of the music world, including world-famous jazz musician [[James Morrison (musician)|James Morrison]]. Morrison also figured in the premiere of [[Matthew Dewey|Matthew Dewey's]] 'Symphony of the Inland Sea', composed for the occasion.<ref name="Orchestra" />

On 5 March 2017, Mount Isa was chosen as a host city of the [[2018 Commonwealth Games Queen's Baton Relay]], along with [[Cloncurry, Queensland|Cloncurry]], [[Hughenden, Queensland|Hughenden]], [[Winton, Queensland|Winton]] and [[Birdsville]]. The baton passed through the Mount Isa CBD and suburbs and regions en route before the opening ceremony on the [[Gold Coast, Queensland|Gold Coast]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=2017-10-17 |title=Locals chosen for Commonwealth Games baton relay |url=https://www.northweststar.com.au/story/4990860/locals-chosen-for-commonwealth-games-baton-relay/ |access-date=2022-05-28 |website=The North West Star |language=en-AU |archive-date=26 June 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220626195606/https://www.northweststar.com.au/story/4990860/locals-chosen-for-commonwealth-games-baton-relay/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

== Demographics ==
In 2008, a rumour circulated that the ratio of males to females living in Mount Isa was five to one. Former Mayor John Molony drew international press attention in August 2008 when he told the [[Townsville Bulletin]] newspaper that Mount Isa's gender imbalance made it a good place for "not so attractive" women to live.<ref>{{cite news |date=18 August 2016 |title=Outback mayor seeks "ugly duckling" women |newspaper=Reuters |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-australia-ugly-odd-idUSSYD14437220080818 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171201040035/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-australia-ugly-odd-idUSSYD14437220080818 |archive-date=1 December 2017 |df=dmy-all}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Dalton |first=Trent |date=23 August 2008 |title=Mt Isa dating scene gets ugly |url=https://www.couriermail.com.au/news/queensland/mt-isa-dating-scene-gets-ugly/news-story/a6037a2b2404a1510b7701144e8f0b73 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220528031127/https://www.couriermail.com.au/news/queensland/mt-isa-dating-scene-gets-ugly/news-story/a6037a2b2404a1510b7701144e8f0b73 |archive-date=28 May 2022 |access-date=28 May 2022 |website=[[The Courier-Mail]]}}</ref> However, the {{CensusAU|2011}} revealed that 52.8% of residents were male and 47.2% were female.<ref name="Census2011">{{Census 2011 AUS|id=UCL312005|name=Mount Isa (Urban Centre and Locality)|accessdate=25 September 2016|quick=on}}</ref>

In the {{CensusAU|2016}}, the town of Mount Isa had a population of 18,342 people.<ref name=Census2016>{{Census 2016 AUS|id=315021405|name=Mount Isa (SAL2)|access-date=18 June 2024|quick=on}}</ref>

In the {{CensusAU|2021}}, the town of Mount Isa had a population of 18,317 people.<ref name=Census2021>{{Census 2021 AUS|id=315021405|name=Mount Isa (SAL2)|access-date=18 June 2024|quick=on}}</ref>

== Heritage listings ==
Mount Isa has a number of [[heritage-listed]] sites, including:
* [[Underground Hospital, Mount Isa|Underground Hospital]], Camooweal Street ({{coord|-20.7316|139.4947|region:AU-QLD_type:landmark|name=Underground Hospital}}){{Hsp}}<ref>{{cite QHR|15875|Former Underground Hospital, Mount Isa|601102|access-date=11 July 2013}}</ref>
* [[Tent House, Mount Isa|Tent House]], Camooweal Street ({{coord|-20.7325|139.4883|region:AU-QLD_type:landmark|name=Tent House}}){{Hsp}}<ref>{{cite QHR|15517|Tent House (Mount Isa)|600742|access-date=11 July 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.abc.net.au/local/stories/2013/03/15/3716535.htm|title=Mount Isa tent house on the move|website=[[Australian Broadcasting Corporation]]|date=15 March 2013|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171018053639/http://www.abc.net.au/local/stories/2013/03/15/3716535.htm|archive-date=18 October 2017|df=dmy-all}}</ref>
* [[Spinifex State College Junior Campus]], 6–12 Fifth Avenue ({{coord|-20.7341|139.4866|region:AU-QLD_type:edu|display=inline|name=Spinifex State College Junior Campus}})<ref>{{cite QHR||Spinifex State College Junior Campus|650065|access-date=28 April 2021}}</ref>
* [[Bower Bird Battery]], Mount Isa Mining District ({{coord|-20.0969|139.6975|region:AU-QLD_type:landmark|name=Bower Bird Battery}}){{Hsp}}<ref>{{cite QHR|16600|Bower Bird Battery|601863|access-date=11 July 2013}}</ref>
* [[Mount Isa Mine Early Infrastructure]], Mount Isa Mine Lease ({{coord|-20.7335|139.4768|region:AU-QLD_type:landmark|name=Early Mine Infrastructure}}){{Hsp}}<ref>{{cite QHR|15946|Mount Isa Mine Early Infrastructure|601182|access-date=11 July 2013}}</ref>
* [[Casa Grande, Mount Isa|Casa Grande]], Nettle Street ({{coord|-20.7413|139.4754|region:AU-QLD_type:landmark|name=Casa Grande}}){{Hsp}}<ref>{{cite QHR|15867|Casa Grande|601094|access-date=11 July 2013}}</ref>

== Governance ==
Mount Isa at local level is part of the [[City of Mount Isa]], at state level is part of the [[Electoral district of Traeger|electoral district of Mount Isa]] in the [[Legislative Assembly of Queensland]], and at federal level is part of the [[Division of Kennedy]] in the [[Australian House of Representatives]]. The City of Mount Isa [[Local government area|LGA]] jurisdiction, covering 43,188&nbsp;km<sup>2</sup><ref name="ABSLGA">{{cite web|title=3218.0 – Regional Population Growth, Australia, 2014-15: Population Estimates by Local Government Area (ASGS 2015), 2005 to 2015|url=http://www.abs.gov.au/AUSSTATS/abs@.nsf/DetailsPage/3218.02014-15|website=Australian Bureau of Statistics|publisher=[[Australian Bureau of Statistics]]|date=30 March 2016|access-date=12 September 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160908050610/http://www.abs.gov.au/AUSSTATS/abs@.nsf/DetailsPage/3218.02014-15|archive-date=8 September 2016|df=dmy-all}} Estimated resident population, 30 June 2015.</ref> (2nd largest in Australia), is the 15th largest in the world in terms of area<ref>{{Cite web |title=Largest City in the World by Area 2024 |url=https://worldpopulationreview.com/world-city-rankings/largest-city-in-the-world-by-area |website=World Population Review |access-date=12 January 2024 |archive-date=19 January 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230119210955/https://worldpopulationreview.com/world-city-rankings/largest-city-in-the-world-by-area |url-status=live }}</ref> and takes in the border town of [[Camooweal]], {{convert|188|km|mi|abbr=on}} to the north-west of Mount Isa and {{convert|12|km|mi|abbr=on}} from the border of the [[Northern Territory]].

== Economy ==
Mount Isa's industry is largely dependent on mining. [[Glencore]] operates the Mount Isa Mines lease adjacent to the city, which comprises the "Enterprise" underground copper mine, X41 underground copper mine, "Black Star Open Cut" silver-lead zinc mine, and metallurgical processing facilities. Silver-lead-zinc ore is also mined {{convert|20|km|mi|abbr=on}} to the north at Hilton from the "George Fisher" underground mine, and the adjoining "Handlebar Hill" open cut, which is trucked back to Mount Isa for processing.

Mount Isa was in the top two of the largest copper mining and smelting operations in the country.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.abs.gov.au/ausstats/abs@.nsf/Latestproducts/51D19819B535DC18CA2573D20010E528?opendocument|title=Chapter - Profile of major minerals, oil and gas|date=7 February 2008|publisher=[[Australian Bureau of Statistics]]|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080508234020/http://www.abs.gov.au/AUSSTATS/abs@.nsf/Latestproducts/51D19819B535DC18CA2573D20010E528?opendocument|archive-date=8 May 2008|df=dmy-all}}</ref>
Copper and lead are smelted on site, with copper anodes and zinc concentrate being transported {{convert|900|km|mi|abbr=on}} to the city and port of [[Townsville]] on the east coast. The lead ingots are transported to a refinery in [[United Kingdom|Britain]] where the silver is extracted. The mine is the most significant landmark in the area, with the [[Chimney|stack]] from the lead smelter (built 1978), standing 270&nbsp;m tall, visible from all parts of the city and up to {{convert|40|km|mi|abbr=on}} out.{{Citation needed|date=February 2008}}

== Education ==
[[File:StateLibQld 1 109596 In the schoolyard of the Mount Isa State School, 1929.jpg|thumb|Mount Isa State School, 1929]]
Mount Isa has eight public primary schools and three private primary schools:
* [[Happy Valley State School]]<ref>{{Cite web |date=2020-03-16 |title=Happy Valley State School |url=https://happyvalleyss.eq.edu.au/ |access-date=2022-06-17 |website=Happy Valley State School |language=en |archive-date=14 August 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210814014125/https://happyvalleyss.eq.edu.au/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
* [[Healy State School]]<ref>{{Cite web |date=2020-02-07 |title=Healy State School |url=https://healyss.eq.edu.au/ |access-date=2022-06-17 |website=Healy State School |language=en |archive-date=15 April 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220415065146/https://healyss.eq.edu.au/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
* [[Townview State School]]<ref>{{Cite web |date=2020-03-11 |title=Townview State School |url=https://townviewss.eq.edu.au/ |access-date=2022-06-17 |website=Townview State School |language=en |archive-date=8 April 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210408020159/https://townviewss.eq.edu.au/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
* [[Barkly Highway State School]]<ref>{{Cite web |date=2019-12-17 |title=Barkly Highway State School |url=https://barklyhighwayss.eq.edu.au/ |access-date=2022-06-17 |website=Barkly Highway State School |language=en |archive-date=9 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230409151516/https://barklyhighwayss.eq.edu.au/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
* [[Central State School]]
* [[Sunset State School]]<ref>{{Cite web |date=2020-03-10 |title=Sunset State School |url=https://sunsetss.eq.edu.au/ |access-date=2022-06-17 |website=Sunset State School |language=en |archive-date=27 March 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200327093048/https://sunsetss.eq.edu.au/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
*  Mount Isa School of the Air<ref name="mountisasde.eq.edu.au">{{Cite web |date=2019-05-12 |title=Mount Isa School of the Air |url=https://mtisasde.eq.edu.au/ |access-date=2022-06-17 |website=Mount Isa School of the Air |language=en |archive-date=10 June 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210610094225/https://mtisasde.eq.edu.au/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
* Mount Isa Special School<ref>{{Cite web |date=2020-02-11 |title=Mount Isa Special School |url=https://mtisaspecs.eq.edu.au/ |access-date=2022-06-17 |website=Mount Isa Special School |language=en |archive-date=9 March 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210309213809/https://mtisaspecs.eq.edu.au/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
* St Kieren's (private)
* St Josephs (private)
 
And four high schools:
* Good Shepherd Catholic College (private)
* Mt Isa Flexible Learning Centre (private)
* Mount Isa School of the Air (to grade 10)<ref name="mountisasde.eq.edu.au"/>
* [[Spinifex State College]] – Three campuses, Junior from grade 7 to grade 9, Senior from grade 10 to grade 12, and Residential; for students who don't have a high-school in their region and need to leave their place of residence to access years 7–12. Spinifex State College opened on 1 January 2003.  The Junior campus is located at the former [[Mount Isa State High School]].  The Senior campus is located at the former [[Pioneer, Queensland|Kalkadoon State High School]].  The Mount Isa Education and Training Precinct campus is an amalgamation of Kalkadoon State High School and Mount Isa State High School to form Spinifex State College Precinct.<ref>{{Cite QldSchool|access-date=18 April 2019}}</ref>
Mount Isa is also home to the [[School of the Air]], a unique-to-Australia way of schooling isolated students in Australia's vast lightly populated country areas. The city also holds the main campus of the Mount Isa Institute of [[TAFE]], offering courses in a wide range of fields, including mining, agriculture and trades. In addition, [[James Cook University]] has a presence, with the Mount Isa Centre for Rural and Remote Health in the Base Hospital complex.

== Water infrastructure ==
[[File:Lake Moondarra Panorama.jpg|thumbnail|Panorama of Lake Moondarra from lookout above Transport Bay. July 2014. Mount Isa, Queensland.]]
Mount Isa's water is supplied from Lake Moondarra, {{convert|13|km|abbr=on}} from Mount Isa, and from [[Lake Julius]], {{convert|60|km|abbr=on}} from Mount Isa. As it costs approximately twice as much to supply water from Lake Julius, the water is normally drawn from Lake Moondarra. However, during periods of drought, it becomes necessary to draw water supplies from Lake Julius. The three major water users are the [[Mount Isa Mines]], [[Incitec Pivot]] and the [[Mount Isa City Council]] (which in turn supplies residents and smaller businesses).<ref name="water">{{cite web |title=Frequently asked questions |url=http://www.mountisawater.qld.gov.au/about_faqs.php |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141006092317/http://www.mountisawater.qld.gov.au/about_faqs.php |archive-date=6 October 2014 |access-date=4 October 2014 |publisher=Mount Isa Water Board |df=dmy-all}}</ref>

Due to a prolonged drought, water levels in Lake Moondarra have become very low. In April 2013, it was forecast that Lake Moondarra would be reduced to 40% of capacity by July 2013, which would trigger the need to supply additional water from Lake Julius. The increased cost to the Mount Isa Council for water was estimated to be $800,000 per year ($114 each for 7000 households).<ref name="dry">{{cite news |last1=Barber |first1=Jasmine |date=10 April 2013 |title=Running dry |work=The North West Star |publisher=Fairfax Regional Media |url=http://www.northweststar.com.au/story/1423284/running-dry/ |access-date=4 October 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141004213136/http://www.northweststar.com.au/story/1423284/running-dry/ |archive-date=4 October 2014}}</ref> Water restrictions in the town were escalated in April 2013 to reduce water consumption.<ref>{{cite web |title=Level 2 Water Restrictions |url=http://www.mountisa.qld.gov.au/home/-/asset_publisher/J9kY/content/level-2-water-restrictions |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141006122617/http://www.mountisa.qld.gov.au/home/-/asset_publisher/J9kY/content/level-2-water-restrictions |archive-date=6 October 2014 |access-date=4 October 2014 |publisher=Mount Isa City Council |df=dmy-all}}</ref> Boating on Lake Moondarra would be restricted if water levels reduced to 20% for safety reasons as the lower water levels would reveal obstructions.<ref name="dry" /> The fish in the lake will be at risk if Lake Moondarra falls to 10% capacity.<ref name="fishdie">{{cite news |last1=Stephens |first1=Kate |date=4 February 2014 |title=Drought threatens Lake Moondarra barra supplies |publisher=[[Australian Broadcasting Corporation]] |url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/2014-02-04/lake-moondarra-barra-supplies-all-right-for-now/5236922 |url-status=live |access-date=4 October 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141008025541/http://www.abc.net.au/news/2014-02-04/lake-moondarra-barra-supplies-all-right-for-now/5236922 |archive-date=8 October 2014 |df=dmy-all}}</ref>

Water has traditionally been processed using a natural filtration process involving reed beds in a large isolated lagoon, which, after disinfecting, produced water to acceptable standards under the [[Australian Drinking Water Guidelines]].<ref name="water" /> However, the prolonged drought has produced climatic conditions that have caused blooms of [[blue-green algae]] in Lake Moondarra, Lake Julius and the Clear Water Lagoon, necessitating the temporary introduction of a large filtration plant to remove the algae.<ref name="water" />

== Amenities ==
The [[City of Mount Isa]] operates a public library in Mount Isa at 23 West Street which utilizes a high - speed ISDN Internet Connection (powered through the [[National Broadband Network]]) to both [[Townsville]] and [[Brisbane]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=14 May 2014 |title=Mount Isa City Library |url=http://plconnect.slq.qld.gov.au/networking/directory-of-public-libraries/branches/mt_isa/mt_isa_library |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180205142847/http://plconnect.slq.qld.gov.au/networking/directory-of-public-libraries/services/mount_isa |archive-date=5 February 2018 |access-date=30 January 2018 |website=Public Libraries Connect |publisher=State Library of Queensland |df=dmy-all}}</ref>

Mount Isa also has a cinema complex, situated in the inner city on Rodeo Drive, that contains three air-conditioned [[Cinema (place)|cinema]]s, a [[skate park]]/aquatic centre and a multi-purpose sporting complex for [[basketball]] and other indoor sports. Mount Isa's events complex, Buchanan Park, opened in May 2007, can hold up to 6,000 people and is used for special events such as concerts and expos. It is also the home of the city's annual show and rodeo.

The city is known for its annual [[Rodeo]] and [[Mardi Gras]] street parade every August. There is also an annual Multicultural Festival in early September.

The local theatre group, the Mount Isa Theatrical Society, also known as MITS, often holds plays and musicals, at least once every few months.

Athletics,<ref>{{cite web |title=Mt Isa Athletics - Home |url=http://www.mountisaathletics.com.au |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180225031420/http://mountisaathletics.com.au/ |archive-date=25 February 2018 |df=dmy-all}}</ref> gymnastics,<ref>{{Cite web |title=North West Gymnastics |url=https://www.northwestgymnastics.com.au |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180226123135/https://www.northwestgymnastics.com.au/ |archive-date=26 February 2018 |access-date=2018-02-22 |website=North West Gymnastics |language=en-US |df=dmy-all}}</ref> tennis, rugby league, [[field hockey]], football, netball, rugby union, cricket, and Australian rules are the most common sports but [[skeet shooting|shooting]], squash, softball, basketball, BMX racing, and [[ten-pin bowling]] are also present. Mount Isa has a Go Kart Club<ref>{{cite web |title=Australian Karting Association (Qld) Incorporated |url=http://www.akaqld.asn.au |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20051224191754/http://www.akaqld.asn.au/ |archive-date=24 December 2005 |df=dmy-all}}</ref> situated off Duchess Road on the southern side of town.

== Tourism ==
[[File:Mount Isa, Queensland - Underground hospital.jpg|thumb|Underground hospital]]
Attractions include the Hard Times Mine at "Outback at Isa" and The Mount Isa Rodeo and Mardi Gras (held on the same weekend) has given Mount Isa the title of "Rodeo Capital of Australia". The occasion may well triple the city's population in these few days.{{Citation needed|date=August 2009}} A memorial has been made especially for the Rodeo, down Rodeo Drive; the sidewalks have special memorials embedded in the cement.

The burial place of [[John Campbell Miles]], the founder of Mount Isa, is on the corner of Rodeo Drive and Miles Street. His ashes are buried underneath a large statue where each panel represents a significant part of Mount Isa. Miles' ashes used to be watched over by a large clock where the statue now stands.

The [[World War II]]-era Mount Isa Underground Hospital is an historical building that has been registered on the [[Register of the National Estate]] and the [[Queensland Heritage Register]].  It is an [[air-raid shelter]] which could function as a hospital.  It was created as a precautionary measure after Darwin was bombed in 1942.<ref name="dqh">{{cite book |title=Discover Queensland Heritage |last=Cook |first=Penny |year=2006 |publisher=Pictorial Press Australia |location=Corinda, Queensland |isbn=1876561424 |page=17 }}</ref>  Local miners excavated the site which remains today as the only underground health facility in Queensland which was built during World War II.<ref name="dqh" />

== Events ==
The Mount Isa Rodeo has been held annually since 1959. In addition to the [[rodeo]] itself, there are associated [[Street party|street parties]], music events, market stalls and family entertainment.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Program snapshot |url=http://www.isarodeo.com.au/2015-program/2015-program-snapshot/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170612191700/http://www.isarodeo.com.au/2015-program/2015-program-snapshot/ |archive-date=12 June 2017 |access-date=25 May 2017 |website=Mount Isa Rodeo |df=dmy-all}}</ref> The Rodeo Queen Quest raises money for charities; the Rodeo Queen is crowned at the Rodeo Ball.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Queen Quest |url=http://www.isarodeo.com.au/queen-quest/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170612184218/http://www.isarodeo.com.au/queen-quest/ |archive-date=12 June 2017 |access-date=25 May 2017 |website=Mount Isa Roeo |df=dmy-all}}</ref> Rodeo school is available for aspiring bull riders.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Rodeo School |url=http://www.isarodeo.com.au/rodeo-school/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170612203709/http://www.isarodeo.com.au/rodeo-school/ |archive-date=12 June 2017 |access-date=25 May 2017 |website=Mount Isa Rodeo |df=dmy-all}}</ref>  It is the largest annual rodeo event in the Southern Hemisphere. It is organised by the combined [[Rotary Clubs|Rotary clubs]] of Mount Isa.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Mount Isa Rodeo |url=http://www.isarodeo.com.au/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170530094201/http://www.isarodeo.com.au/ |archive-date=30 May 2017 |access-date=25 May 2017 |website=Mount Isa Rodeo |df=dmy-all}}</ref>  In 2009 as part of the [[Q150]] celebrations, the Mount Isa Rodeo was announced as one of the [[Q150 Icons]] of Queensland for its role as an "event and festival".<ref>{{Cite web |last=Bligh |first=Anna |author-link=Anna Bligh |date=10 June 2009 |title=Premier unveils Queensland's 150 icons |url=http://statements.qld.gov.au/statement/id/64301 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170524033717/http://statements.qld.gov.au/statement/id/64301 |archive-date=24 May 2017 |access-date=24 May 2017 |publisher=[[Queensland Government]]}}</ref>

The Mount Isa parkrun is a 5&nbsp;km run in Mount Isa. It starts at 7am every Saturday and is free. The event started in 2018 and has attracted tourists from across the country and more. The event starts at Tharrapatha Way. As at August 2025, the largest attendance is 133. The event caters for all types of runners, walkers and volunteers and is part of a network of global events aimed at improving public physical and mental health.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Mount Isa parkrun |url=https://www.parkrun.com.au/mountisa/ |access-date=18 August 2025 |website=[[Parkrun]]}}</ref>

The Glencore Mount Isa Lake Moondarra Fishing Classic is held annually, and after 2011 will also be followed by a Fishing, Camping and 4x4 Expo. The Fishing Classic is the richest fresh water fishing event in Queensland.<ref>[http://www.lakemoondarrafishingclassic.com.au/ Lake Moondarra Fishing Classic] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120108144829/http://www.lakemoondarrafishingclassic.com.au/|date=8 January 2012}}. Retrieved 16 March 2013.</ref> Catching the tagged [[barramundi]] fetches the greatest prize money.

== Transport ==
Mount Isa city and surrounds are serviced by a 35 vehicle [[Taxicab|taxi]] service. A taxi service known as "Isa-Curry" express transports passengers to and from the neighbouring centre of [[Cloncurry, Queensland|Cloncurry]] to Mount Isa and back again, usually for shopping and medical requirements. Additionally, many of the city's clubs have courtesy buses to and from their establishments that run seven days a week and into the early hours of the morning. [http://www.mountisacoaches.com.au Mount Isa Coaches] is a locally owned and operated coach company that provides tours and charter services to the local community as well as mining, sporting, school and airport transfers. [[Greyhound Australia]] has a depot in Mount Isa, with coach services to and from [[Townsville]], [[Brisbane]] and [[Tennant Creek]].

[[Mount Isa Airport]] has regular daily services to Brisbane, Cairns and Townsville, in addition to other services to remote [[Outback]] communities in western Queensland. The primary carriers which service Mount Isa and district are [[Qantas]]/[[QantasLink]] - Brisbane and Townsville; AirNorth - Darwin and Gold Coast; [[Regional Express Airlines|Regional Express]] - Townsville.  In November 2009, it was announced that [[Skytrans]] and Westwing Aviation will commence flights in and out of Mount Isa to and from cities on the coast, commencing in February 2010. Regional Express (REX) also announced flights between Mount Isa and Townsville starting after December 2009. [[Virgin Australia]] (VA) began services in August 2012 and offers return services from Brisbane on weekdays.

The city is served by [[Queensland Rail|QR]] passenger train ''[[The Inlander (Queensland Rail)|The Inlander]]'', which travels overnight to Townsville twice a week in each direction.

{{Adjacent stations
|system1=Queensland Rail
|header2=Long distance rail services
|line3=Inlander|left3=Duchess
}}

== Media ==

=== Radio ===
The following radio stations are available in the Mount Isa region:

* AM 666 4LM         (commercial)
* FM 87.6 [[Vision Christian Radio|Vision Radio]] (religious)
* FM 88.0 [[Three_Angels_Broadcasting_Network#Programming|Faith FM]] (religious)
* FM 100.9 Mob FM      (commercial – 70% country)
* FM 101.7 [[ABC Classic]]
* FM 102.5 [[Hit102.5 Mt Isa|Hit FM]] (commercial – formerly Hot FM)
* FM 103.3 [[RadioTAB|TAB Radio]]   (horse racing)
* FM 104.1 [[Australian Broadcasting Corporation|ABC]] [[Triple J]]
* FM 104.9 [[ABC NewsRadio|ABC News Radio]]
* FM 105.7 [[Rhema FM#Current stations|Rhema FM]] (religious)
* FM 106.1 [[SBS Radio]]
* FM 106.5 [[ABC North West Queensland|ABC North West]]
* FM 107.1 [[Radio National|ABC Radio National]]

=== Television ===
Five broadcast television services operate in Mount Isa – commercial stations [[CDT_(TV_station)|Central Digital Television]] (a [[Network 10|Network Ten]] affiliate), [[Imparja Television]] (a [[Nine Network]] affiliate) and [[Seven Network]] (a [[Seven Network]] owned and operated) (formerly known as [[QQQ|ITQ]], [[QQQ]], [[TNQ|QTV]] and [[QSTV]] – Queensland Satellite Regional Television), along with the Government-owned [[ABC TV (Australian TV channel)|ABC]] and [[SBS (Australian TV channel)|SBS]]. Aboriginal focused channels [[NITV]] (National Indigenous Television) and [[Indigenous Community Television|ICTV]] (Indigenous Community Television) broadcasts on UHF channels 36 and 37.

Digital Television transmissions have commenced in Mount Isa. New channels provided by the [[Australian Broadcasting Corporation|ABC]] and [[Special Broadcasting Service|SBS]] can be received with a digital set top box or digital television. Additional channels from the commercial broadcasters that are available in most other areas of Australia are expected to commence transmission in 2011–2012. Analogue television transmissions will be switched off by 31 December 2013.

=== Newspapers ===
The ''North West Star'' is a local newspaper which is printed three times per week, Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday. ''[[The Courier-Mail]]'', ''[[The Sunday Mail (Brisbane)|The Sunday Mail]]'' and the ''[[Townsville Bulletin]]'' are also available.

== Climate ==
Mount Isa experiences a [[semi-arid climate|hot semi-arid climate]] ([[Köppen climate classification|Köppen:]] BSh), with a sweltering [[wet season]] from December and March and a lengthy [[dry season]] from April and November, with cooler nights and lower humidity. Due to its inland location, average minima strongly vary across seasons, from {{convert|8.7|C}} in July to {{convert|23.9|C}} in January. Average annual rainfall is low: {{convert|467.7|mm|in|abbr=on}}, occurring within 36.5 rainfall days, with a maximum in summer. The town is very sunny, averaging 175.4 clear days and only 66.9 cloudy days annually. Extreme temperatures have ranged from {{convert|-2.9|C}} on 7 July 1984 to {{convert|45.9|C}} on 29 January 1990.<ref>{{cite web 
|url = https://www.farmonlineweather.com.au/climate/station.jsp?lt=site&lc=29127 |title = Mount Isa Aero Climate (1966-2024) |publisher = FarmOnline Weather |access-date = July 19, 2024}}</ref>
 
{{Weather box
|location = Mount Isa (20º40'48"S, 139º29'24"E, 340 m AMSL)  (1966–2024 normals and extremes)
|single line = yes
|metric first = yes
|Jan record high C = 45.9
|Feb record high C = 43.5
|Mar record high C = 43.1
|Apr record high C = 38.6
|May record high C = 37.8
|Jun record high C = 34.3
|Jul record high C = 35.2
|Aug record high C = 37.6
|Sep record high C = 40.4
|Oct record high C = 42.5
|Nov record high C = 43.9
|Dec record high C = 45.4
| Jan avg record high C  = 41.1
| Feb avg record high C  = 39.6
| Mar avg record high C  = 38.1
| Apr avg record high C  = 35.8
| May avg record high C  = 32.6
| Jun avg record high C  = 30.3
| Jul avg record high C  = 30.6
| Aug avg record high C  = 33.6
| Sep avg record high C  = 36.9
| Oct avg record high C  = 39.7
| Nov avg record high C  = 41.2
| Dec avg record high C  = 42.1
| year avg record high C = 42.8
|Jan high C = 36.6
|Feb high C = 35.5
|Mar high C = 34.5
|Apr high C = 32.1
|May high C = 28.0
|Jun high C = 25.0
|Jul high C = 24.9
|Aug high C = 27.6
|Sep high C = 31.5
|Oct high C = 35.0
|Nov high C = 36.6
|Dec high C = 37.4
| Jan mean C  = 30.3
| Feb mean C  = 29.4
| Mar mean C  = 28.2
| Apr mean C  = 25.3
| May mean C  = 21.0
| Jun mean C  = 17.5
| Jul mean C  = 16.8
| Aug mean C  = 18.9
| Sep mean C  = 22.9
| Oct mean C  = 26.8
| Nov mean C  = 29.1
| Dec mean C  = 30.3
|Jan low C = 23.9
|Feb low C = 23.3
|Mar low C = 21.8
|Apr low C = 18.5
|May low C = 13.9
|Jun low C = 10.0
|Jul low C = 8.7
|Aug low C = 10.2
|Sep low C = 14.2
|Oct low C = 18.6
|Nov low C = 21.5
|Dec low C = 23.2
| Jan avg record low C  = 19.3
| Feb avg record low C  = 18.7
| Mar avg record low C  = 16.5
| Apr avg record low C  = 11.8
| May avg record low C  = 6.9
| Jun avg record low C  = 2.9
| Jul avg record low C  = 2.0
| Aug avg record low C  = 3.0
| Sep avg record low C  = 6.8
| Oct avg record low C  = 11.2
| Nov avg record low C  = 14.8
| Dec avg record low C  = 16.9
| year avg record low C = 1.1
|Jan record low C = 15.4
|Feb record low C = 13.1
|Mar record low C = 13.1
|Apr record low C = 5.8
|May record low C = 1.8
|Jun record low C = -1.3
|Jul record low C = -2.9
|Aug record low C = -1.1
|Sep record low C = 1.0
|Oct record low C = 6.1
|Nov record low C = 10.3
|Dec record low C = 12.0
|precipitation colour = green
|Jan precipitation mm = 116.6
|Feb precipitation mm = 102.4
|Mar precipitation mm = 68.6
|Apr precipitation mm = 13.1
|May precipitation mm = 11.2
|Jun precipitation mm = 6.9
|Jul precipitation mm = 7.5
|Aug precipitation mm = 3.3
|Sep precipitation mm = 8.7
|Oct precipitation mm = 19.1
|Nov precipitation mm = 38.8
|Dec precipitation mm = 70.8
|year precipitation mm = 467.7
|unit precipitation days = 1.0 mm
|Jan precipitation days = 8.0
|Feb precipitation days = 7.0
|Mar precipitation days = 4.2
|Apr precipitation days = 1.3
|May precipitation days = 1.1
|Jun precipitation days = 0.7
|Jul precipitation days = 0.7
|Aug precipitation days = 0.5
|Sep precipitation days = 1.0
|Oct precipitation days = 2.3
|Nov precipitation days = 4.0
|Dec precipitation days = 5.7
|Jan afthumidity = 35
|Feb afthumidity = 38
|Mar afthumidity = 32
|Apr afthumidity = 27
|May afthumidity = 29
|Jun afthumidity = 28
|Jul afthumidity = 25
|Aug afthumidity = 20
|Sep afthumidity = 18
|Oct afthumidity = 18
|Nov afthumidity = 22
|Dec afthumidity = 27
|Jan dew point C = 13.9
|Feb dew point C = 15.3
|Mar dew point C = 12.4
|Apr dew point C = 8.6
|May dew point C = 6.0
|Jun dew point C = 3.5
|Jul dew point C = 1.3
|Aug dew point C = 0.3
|Sep dew point C = 1.2
|Oct dew point C = 3.4
|Nov dew point C = 6.7
|Dec dew point C = 10.5
|Jan sun = 269.7
|Feb sun = 248.6
|Mar sun = 279.0
|Apr sun = 288.0
|May sun = 291.4
|Jun sun = 285.0
|Jul sun = 303.8
|Aug sun = 322.4
|Sep sun = 309.0
|Oct sun = 310.0
|Nov sun = 291.0
|Dec sun = 288.3
|Jan percentsun = 66
|Feb percentsun = 69
|Mar percentsun = 74
|Apr percentsun = 83
|May percentsun = 84
|Jun percentsun = 87
|Jul percentsun = 89
|Aug percentsun = 91
|Sep percentsun = 86
|Oct percentsun = 79
|Nov percentsun = 74
|Dec percentsun = 70
|source 1 = [[Bureau of Meteorology]] (1966-2024 normals and extremes)<ref>{{cite web 
|url = http://www.bom.gov.au/climate/averages/tables/cw_029127_All.shtml 
|title = Mount Isa Aero Climate Statistics (1966-2024) 
|publisher = [[Bureau of Meteorology]] 
|access-date = November 14, 2024 
|archive-date = 6 January 2017 
|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20170106101907/http://www.bom.gov.au/climate/averages/tables/cw_029127_All.shtml 
|url-status = live 
}}</ref>
}}

== Notable people ==
<!-- List is ordered alphabetically by surname -->
* [[William Barton (musician)|William Barton]], musician; principally known for playing the [[didgeridoo]]
* [[Bailey Biondi-Odo]], rugby league player
* [[Russell Bawden]], rugby league player
* [[Simon Black]], Australian rules footballer<ref name="Simon Black">[https://aflnz.co.nz/news/brownlow-medalist-simon-black-returns-to-play-for-new-zealand/ Brownlow medalist Simon Black returns to play for New Zealand] from AFL New Zealand</ref>
* [[Charlie Cameron (footballer, born 1994)|Charlie Cameron]], Australian rules footballer<ref name="Charlie Cameron">[http://www.adelaidenow.com.au/sport/afl/charlie-cameron-reveals-how-crows-mentor-eddie-betts-has-shown-him-the-way-forward/news-story/5196311831da8ab70ebe2a14ade03dc8 Charlie Cameron reveals how Crows mentor Eddie Betts has shown him the way forward]</ref>
* [[Lindy Chamberlain-Creighton|Lindy Chamberlain]], wrongly imprisoned for the [[Death of Azaria Chamberlain|murder of her baby]], which was subsequently attributed to [[dingo]] attack. Azaria was also born in Mount Isa. In the movie ''[[Evil Angels (film)|Evil Angels]]'', made about the incident, Mount Isa appears at the beginning scenes of the movie as the hometown of the Chamberlain family.
* [[Altiyan Childs]], winner of [[The X Factor (Australia season 2)|the second season of ''The X Factor'']]
* [[Peter Crawford (basketball)|Peter Crawford]], [[basketball]] player
* [[Gerard Denton]], [[cricket]]er
* [[Courtenay Dempsey]], Australian rules footballer<ref name="Courtenay Dempsey">[https://www.essendonfc.com.au/news/93592/from-mt-isa-to-the-mcg From Mt Isa to the MCG] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220929093823/https://www.essendonfc.com.au/news/93592/from-mt-isa-to-the-mcg |date=29 September 2022 }} By Simon Conway for Essendon FC 25 May 2016</ref>
* [[Ian Dyk]], racing driver
* [[Nathan Fien]], rugby league player
* [[Karen Foxlee]], novelist
* [[Jamie Goddard]], rugby league player
* [[Coen Hess]], rugby league player
* [[Pat Mackie]], union leader (1964/1965 dispute)
* [[Simmone Jade Mackinnon]], actress
* [[Deborah Mailman]], actress
* [[Tony McGrady]], [[Speaker of the Legislative Assembly of Queensland]] and Mayor of Mount Isa
* [[Ricardo Moffatti]], Paralympic swimmer
* [[Greg Norman]], [[golf]]er
* [[Kalyn Ponga]], rugby league player
* [[Nev Power]], corporate executive
* [[Scott Prince]], rugby league player
* [[Pat Rafter]], [[tennis]] player
* [[Bill Sweetenham]], Olympic swimming coach<ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.smh.com.au/articles/2003/08/12/1060588389802.html?from=storyrhs | work=The Sydney Morning Herald | title=Bill Sweetenham: the bloke from Mt Isa saving British swimming | date=13 August 2003 | url-status=live | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070912070247/http://www.smh.com.au/articles/2003/08/12/1060588389802.html?from=storyrhs | archive-date=12 September 2007 | df=dmy-all }}</ref>
* [[Carl Webb]], rugby league player
* [[John White (squash player)|John White]], [[Squash (sport)|squash]] player<!-- List is ordered alphabetically by surname -->

== See also ==
{{Portal|Queensland}}
* [[Mount Isa Murders]]
* [[Australian Fossil Mammal Sites (Riversleigh)]]

== References ==
{{Reflist}}

== External links ==
{{Commons category|Mount Isa, Queensland}}
{{Wikivoyage|Mount Isa}}
*[http://www.mountisa.qld.gov.au/ Mount Isa City Council]
* [http://queenslandplaces.com.au/mount-isa University of Queensland: Queensland Places: Mount Isa]
* [https://onesearch.slq.qld.gov.au/permalink/61SLQ_INST/dls06p/alma996816114702061 Isa Rodeo Website archive], [[State Library of Queensland]]

{{City of Mount Isa}}
{{Queensland cities}}
{{Authority control}}

[[Category:Mount Isa| ]]
[[Category:North West Queensland]]
[[Category:Towns in Queensland]]
[[Category:Mining towns in Queensland]]
[[Category:Populated places established in 1923]]
[[Category:1923 establishments in Australia]]
[[Category:Queensland in World War II]]
[[Category:City of Mount Isa]]