The Mount Isa to Townsville Economic Development Zone is one of Australia’s most strategically important corridors. Stretching nearly 900 kilometres from the North West Minerals Province to the Port of Townsville, it anchors our critical minerals supply chain, clean energy transition, defence capability, freight reliability, agricultural productivity and the liveability of remote and regional communities. Its performance matters not just to North Queensland — but to Australia’s economic resilience, decarbonisation pathway and national security.
MITEZ exists to ensure this corridor reaches its full potential. As the peak regional development and advocacy body, we bring together industry, local governments, First Nations partners, investors and both levels of government to drive a unified strategy. Our role is to champion enabling infrastructure, secure policy alignment, remove barriers, and build confidence for investment and long-term growth. We focus on outcomes that strengthen communities, unlock private capital, and position the region as a globally competitive, low‑carbon powerhouse.
MITEZ Development zone
Infrastructure Map
We measure our success addressing four strategic pillars
Economic Leadership
Working with members and stakeholders to deliver a shared economic development agenda. Through innovation, we are committed to working toward a circular economy model. We seek to be significant contributors to the economic development landscape for the regions.
Engaged Membership
Deliver a compelling value proposition for all members, ensuring all members are engaged well informed and are eager to be Mitez ambassadors. We seek to increase our membership across all industry groups across the zone.
Politically Persuasive
Through advocacy on behalf of our members we see to influence all levels of Government as a respect, apolitical advocate for the region.
An Effective Organisation
Build a strong, professional, collaborative, effective and agile
organisation with focus on continuous improvement in all that we do.
MITEZ Management Committee
Strong governance drives strong regions
The MITEZ Management Committee brings together leaders from across local government, industry, energy, finance and infrastructure to guide the organisation’s strategic direction and advocacy priorities across the Mount Isa to Townsville corridor.
“Guided by experience and united by purpose, the MITEZ Management Committee is committed to advancing projects and partnerships that strengthen the corridor, grow our industries and create a resilient future for every community we represent.”
Meet Our Committee
Charles Buchanan | Chair
Charles Buchanan is Chair of MITEZ and a senior leader in the resources sector, currently serving as External Affairs Manager at South32. With more than 15 years’ experience across mining, logistics, port operations and stakeholder engagement, Charles brings a strong understanding of the interconnected systems that drive regional economies. His career spans operational and corporate roles with organisations including BHP and Anglo American, where he has led large teams to deliver outcomes across safety, production and complex supply chains.As Chair, Charles works closely with the CEO and Management Committee to guide MITEZ’s strategic direction, with a clear focus on infrastructure, energy and investment outcomes across the Mount Isa to Townsville corridor. He is a strong advocate for coordinated, corridor-wide approaches that position North and North West Queensland as a globally competitive region.
Charles brings a practical, outcomes-focused leadership style, shaped by deep industry experience and a commitment to strengthening regional collaboration.
Cr Greg Campbell
Deputy Chair, MITEZ | Mayor, Cloncurry Shire Council
Cr Greg Campbell is a respected local government leader and long-standing advocate for regional development across North West Queensland. As Mayor of Cloncurry Shire Council and Deputy Chair of the Mount Isa to Townsville Economic Development Zone (MITEZ), Greg brings deep knowledge of the region’s economic drivers and a strong commitment to advancing opportunities for local communities and industry. With a background in business, pastoral operations and local governance, Greg has championed initiatives that strengthen infrastructure, build regional capacity and attract investment to the North West Minerals Province. His collaborative approach and practical leadership ensure regional perspectives remain at the forefront of strategic planning and government engagement. Greg’s contribution to MITEZ reflects his belief in partnership, working across councils, industry and government to deliver outcomes that sustain and grow the prosperity of the MITEZ corridor.
Andrew Drager
Secretary | Head of Business Development, APA Group
Andrew Drager is a specialist in power systems and business, with almost two decades of experience leading the development and delivery of complex energy projects across Australia and the Asia–Pacific. As Head of Business Development at APA Group, Andrew oversees power developments across the MITEZ corridor. With a background in engineering and deep expertise spanning solar, wind, battery storage and gas generation, Andrew has played a key role in supporting the mining sector’s transition toward renewable energy. He has successfully developed and delivered ten utility-scale power projects, primarily for remote mining operations, achieving strong technical, commercial and environmental outcomes. As Secretary of the MITEZ Management Committee, Andrew brings a strategic understanding of regional development, energy systems and the role of infrastructure in enabling growth. Based in Brisbane, he maintains a strong connection to North and North West Queensland, supporting initiatives that drive sustainable growth and industry diversification across the corridor.
Rebekah Haynes
Treasurer | Head of Retail, Queensland Country Bank
Rebekah Haynes is the Head of Retail at Queensland Country Bank, where she leads the strategic direction and performance of the organisation’s branch network across Queensland. With extensive experience in financial services and leadership, Rebekah brings a strong focus on customer experience, frontline service and community engagement. She oversees branch operations to ensure alignment with the bank’s values and its ongoing commitment to supporting regional communities. Known for her collaborative leadership style, Rebekah empowers teams to deliver meaningful financial outcomes for customers while strengthening connections across the regions they serve. Her work is underpinned by a passion for accessibility, building lasting relationships and supporting the long-term resilience of regional economies. As Treasurer of the MITEZ Management Committee, Rebekah contributes strong financial oversight and governance, supporting the organisation’s role in driving investment, confidence and sustainable growth across the Mount Isa to Townsville corridor.
Steve De Kruijff
Government-Owned Corporation Representative | CEO, Mount Isa Water Board
Steve De Kruijff serves as the Government-Owned Corporation representative on the MITEZ Management Committee and is Chief Executive Officer of the Mount Isa Water Board. With extensive leadership experience across North Queensland’s water, resources and infrastructure sectors, Steve brings a strong understanding of the essential services and long-term planning required to support sustainable regional growth. His career has been defined by a focus on operational excellence, stakeholder collaboration and delivering outcomes that balance community needs with industry and environmental priorities. Through his role on the MITEZ Management Committee, Steve helps strengthen connections between government, industry and community, ensuring the region’s critical infrastructure continues to support and drive long-term economic resilience across the corridor.
Cr Peta MacRae
Mount Isa City Council Representative | Mayor, Mount Isa City Council
Cr Peta MacRae represents Mount Isa City Council on the MITEZ Management Committee. As a long-term local and committed advocate for North West Queensland, Peta brings a strong focus on community wellbeing, regional collaboration and economic diversification. In her role as Mayor, Peta is actively engaged in initiatives that enhance liveability, support local business development and ensure Mount Isa remains a vibrant service and industry hub for the North West. Her contribution reflects her commitment to fostering strong partnerships between local government, industry and community to drive sustainable regional growth.
Cr Kate Peddle
Mid-West & Agricultural Representative | Mayor, Flinders Shire Council
Cr Kate Peddle serves as the Mid-West and Agricultural Representative on the MITEZ Management Committee. As Mayor of Flinders Shire Council, Kate provides strong leadership for one of inland Queensland’s key agricultural regions and is a passionate advocate for rural communities across the corridor. With a professional background in agribusiness and local government, Kate brings practical insight into workforce attraction, water security, supply chain connectivity and economic diversification. She is committed to strengthening regional collaboration and ensuring inland communities remain central to the region’s future prosperity.
Matt Johnson
Industry & Mining Representative | Dyno Nobel
Matt Johnson represents the mining and industry sector on the MITEZ Management Committee. In his role as NA Operations Turnaround/Shutdown Manager at Dyno Nobel, Matt leads complex operational programs across large-scale industrial and mining environments, with a strong focus on safety, efficiency and performance outcomes. He brings direct experience in maintenance planning, shutdown execution and continuous improvement across critical infrastructure. His contribution supports stronger alignment between industry, infrastructure and regional development priorities across the corridor.
Cr Nick Dametto
Townsville Representative | Mayor, Townsville City Council
Cr Nick Dametto represents Townsville on the MITEZ Management Committee. As Mayor, he provides leadership for the region’s largest city and a critical hub within the corridor. Nick brings a strong focus on economic development, infrastructure delivery and regional connectivity, supporting Townsville’s role as a gateway linking the North West Minerals Province to global markets. He contributes a strategic perspective on urban-regional integration and is committed to strengthening collaboration across the corridor.
Backed by the organisations shaping the future of the MITEZ corridor
