We have several big-ticket projects we're planning and getting ready, including the Stage 2 Redevelopment of the Family Fun Precinct, the Gallipoli Park Pump Track and Recreation Development, and the construction of a Waste Transfer Station, Materials Recovery Facility and Tip Shop.

These will be important assets to the Mount Isa community and I look forward to seeing them progress in the coming months and years.

Recently Council agreed to go ahead with roadworks valued at $503,000, which will upgrade asphalt at eight priority locations across Mount Isa, including along East St, the western end of Joan St, Dalton Cres, Sunset Bridge approaches, Death Adder Gully and the Isa St/West St intersection.

Given the priority nature of these roads, we anticipate that the work will be completed before the start of the Wet Season.

It was great to hear Council has been awarded $114,814 by the State Government to upgrade tourism and interpretive signage across the city, including billboards on entry points into the city and information signs on the Tharrapatha Way walking/cycle path.

We are also installing interpretive signage at the City Lookout to provide people with further information and a better understanding of Mount Isa Mines' operations when they look at the western horizon.

Recently we farewelled Council's CEO, Sharon Ibardolaza, who has faithfully served the community and Council for more than 12 years. Sharon started at Council as a Finance Officer before becoming the Manager, then Director, of Corporate and Financial Services, Deputy CEO then Acting CEO, before being appointed to the CEO role in March 2018. Sharon was instrumental in the creation of Mount Isa City Council Owned Enterprises, which runs Outback at Isa, Buchanan Park and the Civic Centre.

She has overseen many positive changes and improvements within Council, as well as iconic projects such as the Isa St Bridge in her time as CEO and it has been a pleasure working with her.

This year she established Council's internal COVID-19 Response Group, which enacted major changes across the whole of Council's operations to keep the public and Council staff safe and made sure residents were kept informed along every step of the way.

Sharon is a very professional, courteous and hardworking person and an excellent role model for young people in Mount Isa.

We wish her all the best as she embarks on the next chapter of her career and thank her for everything she's done for Council and Mount Isa over the years.

Councillor Mick Tully

Mount Isa City Council