This is the first time I have written to The North West Star in a long time. I am doing so now because I feel so strongly in this matter and I have been somewhat upset.

In saying this I do not criticise the ABC or anyone else but some things need to be said.

The ABC radio put to air some days ago a programme giving the impression that Mount Isa was an unhealthy and unsafe place to life.

This was apparently caused by so called excessive levels of pollution, lead, sulphur etc.

I can only speak for myself and I have no direct connection with Mount Isa Mines.

But I was born, grew up, went to school, worked, and lived my whole life in Mount Isa.

I am almost 50 now and most other members of my family have lived in Mount Isa and a number have raised children.

And in saying this none of us have suffered any major health problems or ill effects from any so called excessive pollution.

Whenever I have had my lead levels checked they have always been normal and whenever I have on the odd occasion noticed sulphur coming across the city I have reported it to the mines and they have always reacted promptly.

What some people do not seem to understand is that Mount Isa is a unique situation.

The mine was founded first and then the city grew up right next to the mine. That being the case some pollution is unavoidable.

However I for one know that the mine has improved its processes and controls over the years.

The mine goes to great lengths and spends millions of dollars to monitor control and reduce pollution.

The mine works with government, the city council and the community to find the best outcome for everyone.

I hard heard some people say perhaps they should shut down the mine. In that case you could say goodbye to the city of Mount Isa.

Some people have said they should move the whole city of Mount Isa, to them I say 'get real'.

The situation in Mount Isa is not perfect. All we can do is to deal with circumstances as best we can.

And that means everyone working together to make things better.

Getting angry and accusing one another with achieve nothing.

This is my opinion and circumstances and I know that most people in Mount Isa would agree with me.

Barry Byrne, Mount Isa, Qld, 4825

Poor old Australia Post.   There is a reasonable acceptance that the system they cling to is labeled by many as snail mail, of course in fact that is a touch overboard. 

However a recent effort to deliver a small parcel expanded into a saga that would equal  "BEN HUR". 

Everything went well until the parcel hit Mt Isa and then things went sideways. 

The effort to carry the parcel around 100 metres hit the wall like a dose of constipation. 

The system could not spit it out and in fact it totally disappeared to make Houdini  proud. 

Now all the players in this act are standing there with lost looks on their faces wondering 'who dunnit'. 

Maybe a better name rather than Post Office should be the Bungle Office.

Bob Walker JP,   53 Palomar Parade Toukley  NSW, 2263  

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