ABOUT MOUNT ISA BIZ

Mount Isa as a region is recognised as the richest mineral province in the world. Its economic well-being is highly dependent on mining activities. Mount Isa was built around the mine and relied for many years on Mount Isa Mines to provide the largest share of wealth. In the late 1990's a number of large mines were built in the region. They are diversely owned with head offices elsewhere. At the same time the advent of Internet and email significantly altered communication pathways.

Mount Isa Chamber of Commerce recognised that this fundamental change posed a threat to Mount Isa's economic sustainability and amenity. It sought a means to counter this threat, resulting in formation of a partnership with Mount Isa City Council and Department of State Development to develop a supply chain capability database that presented itself to the world as a single entity. The partners co-funded the Project.

The Project was named MIRIS an acronym for Mount Isa Region Information System.

The Project Manager consulted extensively with Mining Companies, Goods and Service Providers and the Community at large, to provide a model that met project criteria and satisfied the need of end users. Stage One was completed in 2002. Stage Two commenced in 2003 using MIRIS as a benchmark on the Internet. The primary objective at this stage was to provide a single window to Mount Isa. Significant co-operation from the Integrated Community Network Taskforce, allowed melding of MIRIS and the already existing Integrated Community Network web site. This created a unique situation where the community at large and commerce worked in concert to provide commercial sustainability for both interests.

The Project Manager had been ably assisted by Ms Angela Thomson and now by Cassandra Bird, System Administrator, who will continue to administer MIRIS beyond project life.

From the outset it was recognised that Mount Isa had the capability and knowledge to drive the project through all of its stages. This "Can Do" attitude created a sense of ownership and attachment to MIRIS that is reflected by the finished product.

Outside of the project team, there are a number of people that should be recognised for their vision and commitment.

• Ex-President, Mount Isa Chamber of Commerce; Mr. Darcy Redman and his Committee and membership at large.
• His Worship The Mayor of Mount Isa, Ron McCullough, The Council and Ex-CEO, Mr. Andrew O'Brien.
• Member for Mount Isa, Ex-Minister for Police and Corrective Services, Honorable Tony McGrady.
• Osborne Mine, Supply Team Leader, Mr. Derek Saggers.
• Mount Isa Townsville Economic Zone, Executive (MITEZ)
• Senior Development Officer, Department State Development, Mr. Tony Alderton.

The Project was expertly advised on technical matters by:

• Principal of CT Training, Ms Sheona Beach.
• Principal of Blueroo Web Designs, Mr. Craig Foot
• Senior Research Fellow, Queensland University of Technology, Mr. Michael Doneman.

We believe that MIRIS as an initiative is a good example of co-operative spirit displayed by the participants, that could translate to other communities.

July 2006 saw a change of name for the website. It is now known as Mount Isa Biz.