This is a decision which must rate with the worst in Mount Isa’s history.

Is there an upside to the decision, not one that stands up to scrutiny, the downside on the other hand has received much comment.

Mayor Joyce McCulloch cites fairness as an outcome.

Is it fair that Mount Isans who care enough about maintaining pride and amenity of our City will have to pay more for their commitment than the resident who does nothing, and allows the once touted,”Oasis in the Outback” to degenerate to the proverbial unattractive dustbowl?     

Many Mount Isans are active in trying to rejuvenate our City, in promoting the positives and improving our image, and our future prosperity.

They are fighting to get Mount Isa on its feet again. 

It seems to me that we were stabbed in our heart by Mayor John Molony foiling the efforts of Legend to set up a phosphate industry in the City.

I feel the same about what I regard as Mayor McGrady’s inept and spineless treatment of our water supply, and his capitulation on our Water Board dividend and tax reimbursement being stolen by the Newman Government.

These two setbacks have shaken our confidence to the core, now this new blow from the current Council makes selling Mount Isa as a great place to live even more difficult.

While I suspect that the changes to water charging may well have been a plan hatched by council officers, I believe it is incumbent on councillors to understand the cost factors involved here.

If the Mount Isa Water Board have a need to recover a certain amount from Council then altering the charging system will have no impact on that amount.

Council may save a minimum amount in water pumping charges, but the electricity costs for pumping will increase to maintain the status quo.

On the other hand, introduction and administration of the new system will be a costly and difficult imposition on Council staff, need I mention that extra cost will be met by the ratepayers.

I would recommend that Council spend considerably more time, and discussion, on this water charging decision, and take steps to reverse it as quickly as possible.

Ron McCullough,

Mount Isa

Readers had more to say on the water rates changes

Karen Walton Ratepayers need to be given the choice to either pay for what they use or a set amount as per rates like it is now. The same as what a number of other councils have in place.

Kerry Cook Council needs to start giving residents a fair go. The rates in the Isa are one of the highest in the state. It’s got to stop.

Louise Brogden Who are the “many residents” the council have spoken to and what is the feedback they claim they have and from whom, I’d like to know how many ratepayers were consulted like they say and if they were transparent in telling them what was happening I am sure there wouldn’t be so much backlash. I thank Danielle Slade for her post at least it explains how every ratepayer is being ripped off again

Kate Lavell They have been talking about it for 12 or more months but neglected to tell the community or let us have a say, all they did was listen to the whinges

Jason Reid Yes. Set a date so the community of Mount Isa residents can voice their opinion. Council hasn’t given the people a voice. The water board would be part of this and outlining how they can increase their profit margins.