Unfortunately though they have now fallen at the first hurdle.

Now that the rate notices have arrived and uncovered a 6.3 per cent rate increase, it is clear that this Council has not grasped the urgency of limiting rate rises.

Following the wanton rate rises under the Mayor John Molony Council 2008-2012 ( 56 per cent), and Mayor Tony McGrady Council 2012-2016 (19 per cent) on top of that, Mount Isans had hoped for some relief from the increases.      

Perhaps the McGrady Council’s reported $1 million Budget underfunding in 2015 may have caused the increase.

However a 3 per cent rate rise and a loss of discount amounting to 3.3 per cent is unacceptable if Mount Isa is to get into recovery mode.

By comparison, Townsville have brought down a NIL increase Budget for 2016, following on a 1.5 per cent increase last year, and a 0.7 per cent rise the year before.        

If Townsville and other centres can reduce or eliminate rate rises, then Mayor Joyce and her team need to get the message.

Ron McCullough

Mount Isa

This Friday August 26 marks the 30th Anniversary of Daffodil Day.

This is an occasion dedicated to raising hope for all Queenslanders affected by all cancers.

As you know, Daffodil Day is one of Queensland’s most impactful cancer campaigns.

It engages thousands of people to raise funds for lifesaving research and community services.

This year we hope to raise around $1.5 million statewide.

That $1.5 million will come from selling around 800,000 fresh daffodils across Queensland, releasing a limited edition “Dinner Suit” Dougal Bear and of course, our iconic Daffodil Day pins.

We urge your readers to get involved by making a donation and wearing your pins with pride to support the campaign in your local community and via social media.

About 1600 volunteers will collect donations at more than 230 volunteer sites – we cannot thank them enough for enabling our vision.

One Queenslander is diagnosed with cancer every 20 minutes – please give generously this Daffodil Day and brighten the life of someone you love.

This Daffodil Day, wear your pin for all Queenslanders, all cancers.

Professor Jeff Dunn AO

CEO, Cancer Council Queensland

Readers have already started sending in their suggestions as to who should jump out of the cake at the 21^st anniversary Multicultural Festival in Mount Isa next weekend (see our story on page 6).

Though perhaps some are not as serious as others.

Sarah Nilson – Father Mick. He makes us all smile. And loves this community.

Kath Wils – Yep Father Mick

Matt Macca Mcdonald – Kenny Derrick

Zac Everson – Kenny Derrick for sure

Nathan Ward – Budgie smuggler bloke

Lachlan S Cogill – Jodie Shepherd 

Danaella Wivell – Chris Burns, were you not born to jump out of a cake?

(Editor’s note: Danaella Wivell’s idea is not bad, but in the interests of disclosure it should be mentioned she is a former journalist at the North West Star)

Keep your suggestions coming to our Facebook page or email nwseditorial@fairfaxmedia.com.au