“It’s a lot of hard work and it’s a lot of time out of your personal life,” Cr Kim Coghlan said.

Cr Joyce McCulloch advised anyone interested in running to attend open meetings and study the Local Government website. 

“It is not always a case of ‘I can run for council and make big changes’ because of a lot of decision making has frameworks associated,’” Cr McCulloch said. 

Mount Isa Mayor Tony McGrady said the role of councillor was not limited to business people. 

“You need to make decisions based on money and sense but also need compassion and understand the needs of people,” Cr McGrady said. 

Cr Anne Seymour said not to make promises out of the control of councillors.

“Open your eyes and ears up and close your mouth.”