While many expect the government to backflip on more controversial areas of the anti-gang legislation or reinstatement of bipartisan support for the chair of the crime and corruption watchdog after the massive loss at the polls, Cr McGrady hoped this shake-up would force the state to work out a fairer allocation of funds to drought-stricken areas.

Since the city’s drought declaration and blue-green algae outbreak the mayor has discussed the town’s water situation with Mr Newman and senior staff, federal Treasurer Joe Hockey, the Local Government Minister and the Water and Energy Minister.

So far there has been no help.

In yesterday’s budget the Mount Isa City Council imposed a water levy of about  $440 per household to meet the costs of a filtration system to combat blue-green algae, brought on by the drought. 

Ratepayers will also have to cover $2 million lost through cuts to the state government’s dividends from Water Board operations and another $1 million to meet the costs of pumping water from Lake Julius when the lake levels reach 20 per cent.

“The residents of this city can ill afford to meet these costs and I implore the Premier to give serious consideration to lending state support to this drought-induced hardship,” Cr McGrady said.

“At a time when they are offering drought relief across the state, and the nation, our problem is as a direct result of the drought and yet they won’t even respond to our appeals.

“If the Premier is now reconsidering his stance on a number of issues – then this should be one of them.”

Queensland’s opposition treasury spokesman Curtis Pitt said Mr Newman’s backflips weren’t made in the state’s best interest.

“I don’t think he’ll change his Royalties for Regions program because it was only ever a pork barrelling fund aimed at LNP electorates. The fact that Mount Isa is neglected while Kingaroy reaps the benefits speaks volumes.”