The excuse given was that the majority of financial members in attendance were in favour of the application.  

I was at that meeting and did not hear one business owner speak in favour of the proposition. 

 Results of an ambiguous survey were also displayed and looked very similar to results gathered in 2009 when the chamber and the council had the good sense to oppose the move. 

In 2009, with Brett Peterson at the head, the Chamber did not support Sunday trading, but now both the Chamber and Cr Peterson seem to have changed their position.  

Then it was argued that the opening of the major retail stores on a Sunday would surely result in the closure of independent grocers, butchers, bakers, and newsagencies. 

This would leave the elderly and those without transport in a bind as there is no public transport. 

 The smaller stores that are located in and around the community would cease to exist.  

What has changed?  

The population is smaller, the business climate more fragile and the local and national economy in general has declined.  

What was a probability then is a certainty now.  We only have to look at what Bunnings has done to local hardware stores – almost all a thing of the past. 

Seven day trading will cost businesses and jobs.  

When Coles and Woolworths are asked for sponsorship, they respond that they support national programs.  

The local community relies on local businesses for vital funding for sporting teams and clubs. This will no longer be available.  

If you look at the back of sporting uniforms all over town you can clearly see the names of businesses that give some of their hard earned money to help the community. 

It is not because they make so much they need to give it away.  

It is because they see that it is part of what makes up a thriving community and a strong community is good for business. 

 If you have been the beneficiary of such sponsorship, now is the time to show your support for those that have supported you. 

Some argue that it will be good for tourism. 

I am sick of visiting places to see the same shop in every shopping centre along the coast.  

People visit regional towns for their originality.  

Tourists do not visit Mount Isa because it is a retail mecca.  

They come to enjoy events and visit our tourist attractions.  

Results of the petition being collected by Robbie Katter show that the public do not want the big retail stores to have dominance in this town this is not what the public wants.  

Our customers have all been extremely supportive and agree that it would be sad if any shop in our complex was to close as we try to offer the best possible service to the local area. 

 Coles and Woolworths already have almost 80 per cent of the market share.  This push into Sunday trading is about demanding even more at the expense of families and the community.  

The Mackay Mercury reports that now Coles and Woolworths dominate the market with little competition left open, their prices are 13.7 per cent higher than in their Brisbane stores. 

There is nothing to stop that figure being even higher if it happens here.

I am extremely disappointed that the chamber has chosen to represent the big end of town.  

Perhaps the little guys need to form our own group as our interests are certainly not being represented by some of our elected council representatives or the  Chamber of Commerce.

There are examples of communities having courage and good sense to stand up against these giants to preserve their community and being victorious. 

 I have confidence that the people of Mount Isa can do the same. 

 The council has stated they have not yet formed an opinion.  Let them know that the people of Mount Isa want the chance to support small business in the community by emailing our Mayor, Tony McGrady, at mayormcgrady@mountisa.qld.gov.au.