MOUNT Isa faces an economic crisis, the state member for Mount Isa believes.
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Rob Katter blamed an economic decline on the region’s mining industry while under oath at the commission for Sunday trading on Monday.
He warned there were “very significant threats to the region” which he could not disclose.
“This is a very dark time for Mount Isa, as bad as we have seen it,” Mr Katter said.
“The future is going to be a real battle.
“Every contractor in town has got their work cut out for them.
“Even if it does rain that solves one problem.”
Mr Katter’s comments followed National Retail Association senior industrial advocate Jacques Franken quoting Queensland Treasury and Trade 2012-2013 statistics while cross-examining the Mount Isa state member.
The statistics showed Mount Isa’s population was 22,779 in 2013, with a 1.6 per cent annual population increase.
Mr Katter said in the last six months there was an increase in available rentals as people were leaving Mount Isa.