QUEENSLAND’S new Minister for Racing was asked to intercede in the long running feud between the Mount Isa City council and the race club.
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Mayor Tony McGrady met with Bill Byrnes’s chief of staff in Brisbane on Wednesday, asking if the minister could encourage the race club to sign a contract. The contract relates to the leasing of Buchanan Park.
Cr McGrady believed the race club would sign the contract last year, but it did not.
“I am anxious to have the whole matter finalised,” Cr McGrady said.
“I have asked the minister if he could expedite the signing of the agreement.
“He is in charge of Queensland Racing and as such is an integral partner.”
The discussion took place when Cr McGrady and deputy mayor Brett Peterson met with Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk and six other cabinet ministers at the opening of Parliament on Wednesday.
Other key issues discussed were water supply and ensuring Department of Housing properties had more grass to better protect children from lead exposure.
Cr McGrady said the new cabinet showed promise.
“I was very, very impressed with the way every minister was on top of their brief.
“I had no problems whatsoever getting formal meetings with them.”
Cabinet ministers were invited to visit Mount Isa.
Minister for State Development and Natural Resources and Mines Anthony Lynham is expected to visit on Monday and Tuesday.
Minister for Northern Queensland Coralee O’Rourke confirmed she received the invitation.
“We are working on suitable dates and I look forward to heading north-west in the weeks after Easter.”