WISH lists from councils across the North West region and Gulf have been sent to state member for Mount Isa Rob Katter’s office in hopes that the priorities will not fall on deaf ears.
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The priorities were requested by Mr Katter’s office this week, and could play a part in Mr Katter’s negotiations with major parties seeking the support of crossbenchers.
McKinlay Mayor Belinda Murphy said road upgrades, weed management and funding for upkeep on the shire’s community hall were her listed priorities.
Increased irrigation of the Flinders River was also important. A Water Resources Operational Plan reviewed by Mines Minister Andrew Cripps three years earlier than originally intended indicated more water could be released from the river.
That could change if a Labor government was to bring back its former Wild Rivers policies and prevent irrigation of the upper Flinders River.
Cloncurry Shire Council listed a greater share of royalties returned to the productive regions, upgrades of the Townsville to Mount Isa rail, and development of Cave Hill Dam. Chief executive David Neeves said the sealing of the 35-kilometre road between Cloncurry and Duchess was needed, too.
Before the election, Mr Katter indicated he would support Cave Hill Dam, the Cloncurry Night Patrol, and the purchase of local goods and services through government contracts, Mr Neeves noted.
“Council hopes Mr Katter reaffirms his commitment to Cloncurry by following through on the issues he raised,” he said.
Mount Isa City Mayor Tony McGrady said Mr Katter should seek assurance that the government would support the extension of the Mount Isa Mines copper smelter and Townsville refinery. He also wanted the mining of uranium in Queensland to remain legalised.
The state government should also give financial assistance to drought-affected areas to alleviate the cost for ratepayers.
Mornington Shire Mayor Brad Wilson said the redesign of Mornington Island’s damaged wharf was a must, and should allow more accessible barge landing for commercial fisheries, chandlery and fuel sales.
A local dialysis unit which had nurses to care for patients was also sought.
“Other communities such as Palm Island have these facilities, we’ve asked for it before but it seems to have fallen on deaf ears,” Cr Wilson said.
He wanted a review of Regional Express Airlines, which had operated in the Gulf for a month.
“Our air mail may not be carried on the plane due to the capacity of the luggage compartment,” Cr Wilson said. “Effectively, this can mean we have unnecessary delays of up to two weeks for mail even getting to us.”