This would strengthen the Mount Isa City Council’s Isa Street Party to be held on the Wednesday night, said manager Natalie Flecker. The party in the city will feature national musician Jessica Mauboy.

The rodeo on the Friday night would also begin two hours earlier, when the mardi gras was normally held. 

“The street festival will be huge and will need the support of all our local community groups,” Ms Flecker said. 

“We can’t ask them to (come) back up again on Friday night for mardi gras. 

“It is very important for us to support council’s initiative which we believe will be an incredible start to rodeo week for both our local community and visitors who come from all over Australia and overseas to attend the Isa Rodeo.

“We know how much effort and energy community groups will need to help make the Isa Street Party a success by running food, entertainment and market stalls on Wednesday night.” 

Mount Isa mayor Joyce McCulloch, a former rodeo manager, said it used to be easier to hold the mardi gras because business groups were able to assist with support and the trucks necessary for the parade.

“Now the budgetary constraints are getting harder and harder,” she said. 

There will be “fun initiatives” to be held on rodeo week that will still include community organisations, Cr McCulloch said.

“I believe the rodeo is looking at doing something different on the Friday. It’s a matter of the community to wait and see.” 

Former councillors Brett Peterson and Kim Coghlan were critical of the decision not to hold the mardi gras. Ms Coghlan said it was “sad” while Mr Peterson said “it will be like having a rodeo without a bull ride.” 

“I know we have the actual races on the Thursday night,” Mr Peterson said.

“I know we have entertainment downtown (on the Wednesday) but this is the real start as people remember it.” 

Cr Coghlan said the decision would mean people only attending the rodeo itself would attend on the Friday night, limiting the numbers for sideshow alley.