Due to our deadlines, we are unable to report too much in this edition about the visit of Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk and her cabinet to Mount Isa on Monday and Tuesday.
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But there is no doubt that the visit is timely and welcome.
The premier said not only would the ministers and their respective directors-general be governing the state from the Isa in those two day but it would also be a great opportunity to talk to locals and understand more about the local community.
Ms Palaszczuk also said that on Tuesday the government would host a summit on the North West Minerals Province.
There is plenty to talk about, beginning with jobs.
Queensland has the highest unemployment rate in the nation at 6.5% and the unemployment rate in Outback Queensland (including Mount Isa) unemployment rate is over double the state average at 13.1%
It's worse still for young people in the Outback with nearly one in every four young locals (23.9%) unemployed.
And after five years of government, the Premier has underdelivered on her promise to develop the North West Minerals Province, with key exports from the province plummeted by as much as 70% earlier this year and high electricity costs and restrictive exploration approvals holding the province back.
Then there's transport. Under the previous government the North West annual road budget was over $80 million, this year the Premier has only allocated $52.8 million for North West roads.
And the government remains quiet when it comes to the issue of prohibitive air fares to the region.
There are questions to be asked on the government's approach to crime.
Under Labor since the year 2014-15, assault has increased by 43% in Mount Isa (743 to 1062), rape has increased by 143% in Mount Isa (14 to 34), unlawful entry by 105% in Mount Isa (369 to 758) and car theft has increased by 81% (86 to 156).
We warmly welcome the Premier and her government to Mount Isa, which remains a powerhouse for the Queensland economy.
But locals are not feeling loved or cherished. Now it's time to listen and fix the problems hurting locals badly. Derek Barry