“Many Australian mining cities have long histories in mining and processing ores, and have generated great wealth over many decades,” Bowler said. “But when downtimes come, these same mining cities are often hit hard, with people losing their jobs and businesses leaving town.

“By tapping into our collective experience and by pooling resources, we can better address these sorts of challenges and pursue opportunities in a highly collaborative way. It is only early days, but I feel sure that mining cities across Australia will benefit greatly from this initiative in the years ahead.”

Mount Isa Mayor Joyce McCulloch commented that it is vital that regional Australia’s mining cities have a loud and united voice. “This alliance has brought about an extraordinary level of collaboration between the three founding mayors. We can only imagine what will be possible when other mining cities join us. Our aim is to position the alliance as a powerful educational and advocacy force.

“Local councils are the voice of hundreds of local communities across Australia that are often dependent on a single large mining project or commodity,” McCulloch said. “If that employer or prospective new job-generating industry is impeded by bureaucratic delays and processes, it’s our communities, and our families, that pay the price,”

Broken Hill Mayor Darriea Turley said the Alliance would extend an open invitation to other councils and mining companies — big and small — to join the group and collaborate on campaigns. “The challenges and opportunities facing Broken Hill have much in common with other Australian mining cities,” Turley said. “Working together will undoubtedly help us to strengthen our respective futures.”