Scaremongering aside, Mr Newman’s statements raise a voting conundrum – certainly in the North West.

In the case of Mount Isa, water and a viable future for Glencore’s copper smelting operations remain the paramount issues. 

So what happens if sitting state KAP member Rob Katter - who is seeking a second term on his record of achievements – and the LNP are both returned? 

Will the LNP then carry out its threat to deprive Mount Isa of the two necessities that hold the key to this city’s survival?

Let’s hope there’s no voter apathy and there’s a strong turn-out to exercise  their priceless democratic right.

There was an interesting announcement on the Hann Highway yesterday from LNP candidate John Wharton. 

The statement read that a re-elected LNP government would renew its commitment to the project.

There was no preface of the commitment being pulled if Mr Wharton was not elected for Mount Isa – outlining that perhaps the party had recognised its leader had gone too far with its hardline stance on snubbing electorates without an LNP representative.

The expected swing against the LNP is set to send the party into chaos, with Mr Newman looking increasingly likely to lose his seat and be replaced in the party’s top job.

The scenarios are wide-ranging and complex.

One of the concerning developments for the North West would be Deputy Premier Jeff Seeney being considered as a potential replacement for Mr Newman.

Mr Seeney is the man who said Mount Isa “was not a growing a resource sector” and didn’t deserve Royalties for the Regions funding.