Local people know the Isa Rodeo is the major annual tourist attraction in Mount Isa, but it is also a well kept secret to tourists.

Points that have been raised with me this year are similar to those raised last year and the year before.

There was no signage on the main roads leading into Mount Isa, promoting the rodeo with dates, let alone, letting visitors know that Mount Isa is touted as the Rodeo Capital of Australia.

Driving through the streets there has been no festive atmosphere – no bunting, no music. 

On arrival tourists and the community alike look for festive atmosphere – bunting, lights, banners and music.

And the lack of signage along the main streets directing visitors to Buchanan Park has been notable for their non-existence.

Was there an official rodeo shop this year where visitors could buy branded rodeo merchandise souvenirs before the event?

I know these items are possibly on sale over at the rodeo but many visitors are not able to stay and have asked to purchase Mount Isa Rodeo souvenirs to tell their friends they’ve been to Mount Isa at rodeo time.

Yes! I have been busy giving directions to the rodeo grounds and yes, I do have non-branded rodeo souvenirs, but people would still like to buy a branded t-shirt, hat or beer cooler.

But the sad fact is, visitors still ask questions and directions, many of which could be helped by having better signage around town.

Yes, the Street Party was a massive improvement on not having any function in the CBD and if the limited bunting erected on the Wednesday afternoon directly before the party why couldn’t it be erected and up for the complete week?

A number of tourists did not know Australia’s largest rodeo was being held over the weekend – how sad for our community and how poor for our economy.

Last year these same complaints were expressed and like last year I would welcome the opportunity to relay these concerns to the various groups, in particular the rodeo committee.

Toni Neville 

Mount Isa

In the last State Budget Curtis Pitt shattered a clear election promise and increased taxes – not just on foreign property buyers but on all Queenslanders.

His decision to slap on a foreign investment tax will cost blue collar Queenslanders working in the construction industry their jobs. It has already dented industry confidence, as highlighted by the most recent Property Council of Australia survey.

The decline in confidence experienced in Queensland in the last 12 months has been more pronounced than any other state, and the Property Council directly attributed it to Curtis Pitt’s broken tax promise.

The criticism following the decision has been overwhelming – from the Real Estate Institute of Queensland, the Property Council, the Urban Development Institute of Australia, Master Builders and others. 

Mr Pitt stood alongside these groups and ruled out this exact tax only 12 months ago.

The reasons for Mr Pitt’s tax grab are obvious.  He is incapable of properly managing a budget, and after his $4 billion raid on public servants’ super he’s run out of hollow logs to raid.

Now he’s flagged he wants to have a ‘conversation’ with Queenslanders about higher taxes.  Queenslanders know when Curtis Pitt wants to talk it only ends up with them paying more.

Shadow Treasurer 

Scott Emerson