Crisis talks, led by Katter's Australian Party Leader Robbie Katter, Mount Isa Mayor Peta MacRae, with key stakeholders, recognise that the future of the entire region is at risk if Mount Isa is lost as the administrative hub of the North West Critical Minerals Province. "We need to implement 'use it or lose it' policy – meaning Glencore must be forced to sell if they won't operate," Mr Katter explained. "The smelter must stay open and we need to make CopperString happen now. All of these things are linked; they all play a significant role in ensuring Queensland's economic stability and Australia's national sovereignty." Mr Katter said the nation's future was at risk if governments continued to cave to foreign-owned corporations. "There is $680 billion worth of copper in the North West Minerals Province – just sitting there. To put that in context, the 2024-25 projected federal revenue is $711.5 billion. "And the audacity of Glencore to ask for $2 billion – this is not a handout to a foreign corporation – it absolutely cannot be. If Glencore wants government money, then at the very least, there must be a ceding of 50% control – or they get nothing. "Let them close the mine if they want – then the government must, by law, impose rehabilitation and remediation. I've got mates who close mines and get hit with huge bills. But when it comes to big foreign corporations, it seems in Queensland, there's one set of rules for us and another for them. "We will assert our sovereignty, and I'll tell you now – we'll be taking names of those who don't back us on this. Because if you're not fighting for Australia's ownership of its resources, you're not Australian. "We've got to start having some tough conversations in Brisbane and Canberra, and that's really got to happen in the next four to six weeks, or we're going to be in deep trouble. "I want to congratulate Mayor Peta MacRae, the Mount Isa City Council, and Robbie Katter – they're doing everything they can. But we need the rest of the country to wake up." Bob and Robbie Katter are hosting a public 'Future of Mount Isa' meeting on Friday, June 6, at 6.30pm at the Barkly Hotel in Mount Isa. For more information or to register, please call 07 4743 3534 or email Bob.Katter@aph.gov.au. ENDS

"The Port of Darwin must be owned by the Australian people," Mr Katter said. "With an emerging diplomatic rough between China and the US over ownership, it is most extraordinary that the Australian Government appears unwilling, or unable, to see the value and strategic importance of such critical infrastructure. "Why are we not fighting tooth and nail to ensure our most strategic port is not controlled by a foreign corporation? Even if it is our friends, the Americans. "This megalomaniac obsession with globalism and free-marketism has crippled our nation. Until recently, key assets like the Darwin Port were owned by the Australian Government – as they were for all of our history. 

"Since the dawn of time, man has been riding horses, and he will continue to do so until the end of time," Mr Katter said. "Our history, not just in Australia but across the world, has been shaped on horseback. You can't understand world history without understanding the role that horses played on the Silk Road – from China to Europe, those horses were the beating heart of civilisation. "Working with horses gives you courage, discipline, and pride – all the things our country desperately needs more of," he said. "Horse riding is the most enjoyable pastime – and it keeps you fit and grounded in the real world, not glued to a screen. "I've never been real keen on trekking. I've done about six or seven hundred kilometres in the army and another eight or nine hundred kilometres along the road to St Francis station in my prospecting days. I've been extremely keen on horses ever since." Kisten Bodkin, President of the Gordonvale Pony Club, said pony clubs are for anyone, even those like Mr Katter whose riding careers have been less than glorious. "Horse riding builds more than just riding skills. We've always said that 'pony club is fun', and that's kind of our motto. Even when you're having a rough time, pony club is fun, and it's truly for everyone. "Working with horses teaches personal responsibility and discipline, and gives a goal for young people to aim for, and we love seeing them excel at their passion. "Even though it's an individual sport, you learn how to socialise with people of all ages and you make lifelong friends. "We've seen ourselves and our children grow up, and while school friendships often drift apart, the pony club friendships just seem to stand the test of time." Zoe Macor, Secretary of the Gordonvale Pony Club, said the club has become a multi-generational legacy in her family. "My kids have grown up in the club and are now instructors here, and my grandchildren are coming up the ranks as well. "It's wonderful seeing our children travel to state and national events. The kids see their instructors riding and competing, and have something to strive for. "With three generations of our family involved in the club, well there's nothing quite like it." Mr Katter encouraged locals to saddle up for a night of entertainment at the Gordonvale Round of the 2025 Great Northern Bullriding Series this Saturday, May 24th, from 7pm. The event will raise funds for grounds and facilities upgrades, ensuring up-and-coming riders have a place to grow their skills for years to come. ENDS