I recently joined the QCWA for celebrations at the Royal Queensland Show and announced $1 million over 2 years to restore the organisation’s heritage halls.

For almost a century, the QCWA heritage halls have been the epicentre of community life across Queensland and I believe this funding will be an important part of ensuring these halls are here for many years to come. This funding will mean halls can be painted, gutters or walls can be replaced, and gardens and walkway access can be upgraded. It is great news for local businesses and great news for local jobs. 

The selfless work of the QCWA and their community spirit has helped Queensland women, particularly those is rural and remote areas, learn, grow and create new opportunities.

As Premier of Queensland, I am so proud that I have been able to see the work the members of the QCWA do in their communities, including the key role they play in providing support during times of crisis.

On behalf of all Queenslanders, I congratulate State President Mrs Joy Coulson, her team and all the members of the QCWA on their 95th birthday.

This milestone birthday is our opportunity to celebrate the great work they have done for our community, and to encourage more women to get on board.

Annastacia Palaszczuk 

Premier of Queensland

Ratepayers have received their Mount Isa City Council rate notices together with the “Pretty Picture” detailing how Council was spending our money.

In the two Budgets which this Council have brought down there has been an average annual increase of 6% despite Inflation and C.P.I. being around 2.4%. That is not good news for ratepayers and does not hold up to the glowing report on the Budget which the Mayor tried to paint via the media on the day after the Budget. Some may describe it as a “rip off”. 

I would invite the Mayor to answer the following questions the “pretty picture” did not address.

How much has your Council spent on refurbishing the Mayor’s office, carpets, furniture, blinds etc?

How much has the Council spent on travel and accommodation for the Mayor and Councillors since they were elected?

Why has the Mayor had two new cars since her election and at what cost to the ratepayers?

Note I understand the previous Mayoral vehicle was used by three Mayors.

What was the total cost of the refurbishment of the Council Admin Building?

What increase have councillors received by way of allowances since they were elected and at what cost to the ratepayers?

What increases (If any) have the Council workforce received since the election?

Has any work been performed by the Council, in isolation, close to commercial properties trading by members of the Council and if so at what cost to ratepayers?

What was the cost of the car park in George St and what justification was there for such expenditure?

I doubt if the Council will provide these figures as there is so much arrogance in this administration.

At the last elections most people split their vote to ensure that there was Opposition in the Council.

Since the election of this Mayor and Council I can’t recall any media reports of any discussion, debate or questioning of the important issues at Council meetings. This is a serious situation, and a great disappointment to the general community and begs the question: Are the councillors fulfilling the role which they were elected to? Many are already saying “NO”.

Kendall Santillan, Mount Isa