Mount Isa is situated 900 kilometres west of Townsville and 1900 kilometres north west of Brisbane. The city of Mount Isa covers an area of over 41,000 square kilometres making it geographically, the largest city in the world. Originally established as a mining town more than 80 years ago, it has gone on to develop into a large mining and service orientated community and is considered the hub of the north west region.
In 2006, the Australian Bureau of Statistics reported the population as being 19,663 people for the local government area of Mount Isa. Of the total population, 3268 people identified as being of Indigenous origin, 10,337 as male, 9,326 as female and the mean average age on census night was 30 years.
Mount Isa is often known as the 'Rodeo Capital of Australia' with the largest rodeo in the southern hemisphere held every year in August. During this period visitors from all over Australia and the world make the long trip west, increasing the population to more than 30,000 people.
Historically, the economy of Mount Isa has been centred on the mining industry. Mount Isa Mines, now owned by the Swiss company, Xstrata has continued to be at the hub of the economy. Employment within this environment contributes to over 20% of the city's workforce. Smaller mining companies, a diverse service network and retail industries have and continue to contribute significantly to the overall population growth and economic advancement of this unique community.
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© The State of Queensland (Queensland Health) 2008.
