Queensland goes to the polls in a couple of weeks for its four-year local government elections.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
On March 28 voters will be asked to decide on the make-up of their councils.
These elections get less publicity that federal or state ones but are arguably more important at a local level as decisions made by councils can and do affect us on a day-to-day basis.
Councils still look after roads, rates and rubbish, it's true, but these days they do a lot more besides.
For instance Mount Isa City Council has a $100 million budget and does things like build bridges, run reservoirs and sewerage plants, maintain parks and pavements, run tourism ventures like Outback at Isa, and even want to create a Transport and Logistics Centre.
That's why we as media, in conjunction with our partners ABC North West Queensland are hosting a mayoral debate on March 25 (see page 2) to introduce the three candidates for the Mount Isa mayoral election.
Who are these people, Joyce McCulloch, Danielle Slade and David Fletcher and what do they stand for?
What are their ideas to make the city grow and flourish, how can they turn around matters in a week when we hear that Mount Isa land values have gone down 44 percent since 2016?
What should council's spending priorities be for the next term?
This debate is our readers (and ABC's listeners) chance to make their voice heard on the issues of the day and help you make an informed choice when you put pencil to paper at the ballot box.
To that end we'd like to hear from you about what are the issues that will affect your vote.
Tell us what you think Council's priorities should be or what great ideas you have to make Mount Isa a better place.
Tell us if you have any specific questions for any of the candidates.
We will publish your thoughts and ideas and add any burning questions you might have for the candidates if you can't be there in person to ask them yourself.
Let me know at derek.barry@northweststar.com.au
Derek Barry
Derek Barry
Editor of the North West Star Mount Isa since January 2016. Prior to that, an editor at several regional southern Queensland newspapers. Passionate about telling local stories. Comes with a strange accent to due an Irish accident of birth.
Editor of the North West Star Mount Isa since January 2016. Prior to that, an editor at several regional southern Queensland newspapers. Passionate about telling local stories. Comes with a strange accent to due an Irish accident of birth.
