From the Mayor’s Desk - October 2020

Mayor Danielle Slade

Published: 20th October 2020

This month we farewell our Chief Executive Officer of more than three years, Sharon Ibardolaza, and welcome our Interim CEO, David Keenan.
Sharon has been a long-serving Council employee since she started with us as a Finance Officer in 2008, later becoming Manager of Finance and Administration, Director of Corporate and Financial Services, Deputy CEO, and finally CEO in mid-2017.
On behalf of everyone at Council, I thank Sharon for her years of service to Mount Isa City Council and wish her and her family well as they begin the new chapter of their life in Brisbane.
David comes to us from the Southern Downs Regional Council and we were very impressed with his credentials, local government experience and expertise, particularly in the area of town planning, for which he has a real passion.
David’s experience in large councils will be a huge asset to our Mount Isa City Council, and I have every confidence he will guide us through this transition period, while moving us forward.
It was great news last month to hear that the Queensland Government have reached an agreement with Glencore, that will guarantee the Mount Isa Mines Copper Smelter will remain operating beyond 2022. This is fantastic news for our community as it safeguards hundreds of jobs locally and in North Queensland and provides certainty for thousands of residents and families.
Rates notices should have by now arrived in people’s letterboxes and people may have some queries regarding the latest land valuations released by the State Valuer-General earlier this year and how they relate to the latest rates.
Land valuation fluctuations do not necessarily mean a discount or a rise in rates, as Councils only need to collect enough revenue to cover their budget.  This covers costs associated with delivering essential services that all residents need – such as twice-weekly rubbish collections, repairing and upgrading roads, and maintaining water and sewerage systems.
If anyone has any further queries, I strongly encourage them to call our friendly and helpful Finance team on 4747 3200 during business hours.
Be sure to mark October 23, 24 and 25 down in your calendars for our highly entertaining Wonderland Under the Stars event at Kruttschnitt Oval.
Tickets are selling well and are still available online at https://wonderland.sales.ticketsearch.com/sales/sales
There will be live music, roving entertainment, breath-taking circus acts and even an adults-only all-male cabaret and burlesque show.
This show has been successfully shown around Queensland while ensuring compliance with COVID-19 restrictions. Wonderland Under the Stars will be the perfect opportunity to socialise safely with friends or family and enjoy a night of world-class entertainment outdoors.
I just want to take this opportunity to thank the Mount Isa community for continuing to follow the COVID-19 restrictions.
While I know it’s been tough, especially with no cases, I’m just so proud how we have all worked together and done so without any fuss.

Mount Isa Mayor Danielle Slade