A major outback mining asset near Mount Isa has been sold to a Queensland-based company for up to $100 million, potentially securing the town's copper production.

A wave of youth suicides lays bare a North Queensland community in crisis, with residents saying years of government investment have failed to create jobs, stability or hope.

Mining giant Glencore will employ almost 30 international workers at Mount Isa Mines amid criticism the company is overlooking domestic workers. 

The event is still four months away, but organisers say the site will not be sufficiently dry in time.

Australian rodeos are caught in a high-stakes hustle to keep the outback alive in a country that some argue is outgrowing the buck.

Raptis administration: Australia's largest wild caught prawn operation has entered voluntary administration. A Raptis and Sons Group operates fishing vessels across the Gulf of Carpentaria and southern Australia. The appointment of administrators is intended to facilitate a restructuring and potential sale of the business and assets. Administrator FTI Consulting says the company was hampered by a poor prawn season last year and it's been a difficult decision for the directors.

Image credit: ABC News/Tom Major

True North Copper: Mine waste threatening to leach into local water sources could be processed and removed if commercial critical mineral quantities are found, under a new state government grant. True North Copper has been awarded $400,000 to investigate whether Mount Oxide's waste piles have enough recoverable copper, cobalt and silver to make the operation viable. Head of innovation Mark Longbottom says removing the waste reduces environmental risks.

Iran phosphate impacts: Global fertiliser supply chains are expected to continue facing disruptions while Iran halts global trade in the Strait of Hormuz, and a Queensland phosphate rock exporter is raising the alarm. Mining company North West Phosphate exports rare earth concentrate overseas, converted into fertiliser. Managing director John Cotter is calling for urgent domestic manufacturing investment, and the lowering of high gas and power costs.

Water alliance: Two North West Councils have signed an agreement to pursue development of a water storage facility, to sure up the region's irrigation capabilities. The Flinders and Richmond Shire Councils' new alliance is based on the region's previous water harvesting project, HipCo. It proposes an off-stream storage facility, using floodwaters, to support processing irrigated agriculture. Richmond Shire Mayor John Wharton says a dam site proposal is underway.

Julia Creek bees: A Julia Creek resident has set up the town's first managed beehive, and has created a hub to educate the community about bees and pollination. Kahleea Paul has set up 'Little Creek Collective', and will collaborate with Brisbane group Teralba Bees to deliver sessions at Julia Creek State School and Julia Creek Kindergarten this month. Ms Paul says one hive could make a difference to pollination across the whole town.

This dish is reminiscent of moussaka but it's a more pared-back meal that's not as rich and involves fewer steps.