I have raised the issue in Queensland Parliament and have been successful in getting national media attention on Mount Isa in order to pressure the government for real assistance.

In my experience the government use every trick in the book to restrict councils from doing a cost-effective and quick job of dispersing or relocating bats.

I believe if all local councils were given the latitude by State Government to do what they wanted with the bats, which doesn't necessarily involve any culling, it could be done cost effectively and in a practical way.

The problem is that State Government impose the environmental sensitivities of people mostly living in Brisbane on rural and remote areas, without giving the money needed to be able to deal with bats successfully in a more restrictive and passive way.

Often I think they would prefer us to kiss and cuddle the flying foxes, rather than disturb them.

Suffice to say I have spoken with council and with private contractors who I believe are working on an action plan that will have to be approved by the state.

I'll do my best to hurry this along.

The youth crime around town is getting no better and I will persist with government to give our local police and magistrates the tools they need to deal with the problems.

Obviously, there are some deeply-rooted issues here.

I still maintain that 'Relocation Sentencing' or getting the kids out of town straight up is the start to real change.

The next step is bolting on the right programs to try and then re-engage these kids and families into the community.

I took these key initiatives to a crisis meeting in Townsville last week and I plan to continue being a key player within a collective of Northern leaders who are working to apply further pressure on the State Government to act.

On another, optimistic note: the more events I attend like Rock Pop Mime Show, Fishing Classic, races, fetes, festivals around town all run by volunteers, showcasing the great spirit still alive in the region, the more it gives me great hope for us that Mount Isa will be maintained as a great place to live in the future.

State member for Traeger

Robbie Katter