13/10/2026
🏗️ Plans are underway to redevelop Mount Isa's former Pioneer Shopping Precinct, with a new convenience store expected to open within 12 months.
North West Queensland Indigenous Community Social Services Ltd (NWQICSS) has purchased the precinct, which closed in 2017, with the help of a $2 million Queensland Government Mount Isa Transition Fund grant.
The redevelopment will include:
🛒 A new convenience store between the bowling alley and former Woolworths building, where a row of smaller shops has already been demolished.
🎳 A renovated bowling alley, reducing the existing 16 lanes to 12.
🕹️ A new gaming arcade alongside the bowling lanes.
👷 Employment opportunities during construction and once the convenience store opens.
NWQICSS CEO Faisal Khan said the project would help residents access everyday essentials without having to travel across town.
"If you look at the place, it's a community asset. And to bring it back to life is what we are aiming for," he said.
Employee Aunty Dolly Hankin said the closure of the shops had left a noticeable gap in the community.
"It was lively and very active years ago, but now when it's closed down, it's sort of like it's just gone to waste and it's not a very good sight to see," she said.
📣 COMMUNITY MEETING
Residents are being invited to help shape the redevelopment, including what they'd like the new convenience store to stock.
📍 Old Woolworths building, Pioneer Shopping Precinct
📅 Thursday 15 October, 4pm
Plans for the former Woolworths building itself are yet to be finalised, with further development dependent on funding.
📻 Listen to ABC North West QLD: https://ab.co/3mRJWAn
📝 Subscribe to our weekly newsletter by selecting ABC North West Queensland: https://ab.co/3LuMEr3