Mount Isa Residents Praised for COVID-19 Efforts

Mayor Danielle Slade has congratulated and thanked all Mount Isa residents, as well as frontline health, hospitality, mining and other essential workers, for their exemplary efforts in keeping Mount Isa running throughout the coronavirus pandemic.

Cr Slade said that residents’ observance of social-distancing restrictions and best-practice guidelines had also helped to minimise any possible risk of exposure.

“The first case of COVID-19 in Queensland was recorded in late January. Council, along with the whole Mount Isa community, are very pleased and thankful that, three months on, Mount Isa has continued to record no confirmed cases of COVID-19,” Cr Slade said.

“Local health workers and police officers have also been doing an incredible job keeping all of us safe and well, and I applaud them for their efforts.

“Local businesses and sporting clubs have unfortunately been affected by the restrictions that have been brought in and have had to either close or had their operations significantly changed.

“To those impacted, I wish to say that we all stand by you and appreciate the difficulties you are going through and the challenges you are facing.

“This pandemic will not be around forever and in the meantime, there are several avenues of support that are currently available from the State and Federal Governments that should help to cushion the blow and enable you to get through this extraordinary and difficult time.

“For people who have been stood down from their usual employment, if they haven’t already, I strongly encourage them to enquire about applying for the JobKeeper Payment through their employer.”

Cr Slade said she also wished to thank local hospitality businesses and supermarkets as well as their staff for their efforts.

“All restaurants and cafés now operate under very different conditions, yet for many, they still have staff diligently ensuring takeaway food and drinks are still available,” she said.

“I encourage Mount Isa residents to support our local businesses as much as possible – every little bit helps and can go a long way to ensuring they are able to remain open and viable and make it through this pandemic.

“Our Council staff have also been working hard to continue delivering essential services to residents and keep our crucial facilities open to the public and I thank them all for their achievements."