NEWS May 2020 Your community newsletter

The Family Fun Precinct, including the Family Fun Park and Mount Isa Skate Park, will undergo a $5.1 million upgrade that will include extra shade structures, improved security and fencing, and new lighting. See inside for details!

Phone 07 4747 3200 | email [email protected] | www.mountisa.qld.gov.au | www.facebook.com/MountIsaCityCouncil/ MAYOR’S DESK...

Welcome to the May edition of Mount Isa News.

With COVID-19 restrictions continuing, it has been quite a challenging time for many in our community. However, with restrictions slowly but surely easing as part of a three- stage, monthly approach that extends to mid-July, our city and the rest of can start to look forward to getting back on its feet.

I welcome the step-down approach to COVID-19 announced by the earlier this month that provides sensible and practical concessions for Queensland, which has so far remained untouched by the coronavirus, with no confirmed cases reported as of time of print.

It's great to see that, for example, restaurants, cafés and pubs in our region, along with the rest of Outback Queensland, are now able to accept up to 20 customers at a time, increasing to 50 customers at a time as of mid-June. And with recreational travel now allowed within Outback Queensland - up to 500km from your home, until mid-June when it's extended to all of Outback Queensland for the region's residents - there will definitely be benefits for communities and their local tourism industries.

These are small but necessary steps to take, as it is prudent to start off small with the easing of restrictions, and increase them gradually, once they have been shown and proven to be safe for all residents. Now is not the time to be complacent. It is imperative that we all continue to practise social distancing and good hand hygiene, even as measures are taken to slowly begin to return things to normal.

The Mount Isa Local Disaster Management Group, of which I'm Chair, meets every week to discuss COVID-19-related matters pertinent to our community.

We as a Council are committed to doing whatever we can to assist local businesses and sporting clubs to get through this unique situation. I thank all of the businesses that have sent us their "COVID-19 impact statements" - your feedback will be invaluable in providing us with a focus for Council's decision-making going forward.

Recently, Council accepted a business case developed by PricewaterhouseCoopers for the proposed Mount Isa Transport and Logistics Centre, and endorsed a "pathway to delivery" that will include planning and environmental approvals, as well as land acquisition and procurement. This is fantastic news and an indication of how Council is committed to the further development of the Transport and Logistics Centre project, which is proposed to be located north of Mount Isa on land near the Mount Isa Airport.

The importance of the Transport and Logistics Centre is also confirmed in Council's 2017 Economic Development Strategy. It is crucial for Mount Isa to strengthen its economy, and this centre would certainly play a vital role in local economic diversification.

I look forward to the continued work Council will do in developing the Transport and Logistics Centre going forward.

Her Worship Danielle Slade Mayor of Mount Isa Danielle Slade Mayor of Mount Isa

Email [email protected] Phone 4747 3200 (Office)

Councillor Phil Barwick Councillor Peta MacRae Deputy Mayor Portfolio - Corporate & Financial Portfolio - Tourism, Events, Sport Services, Economic Development, and Recreation, Library Promotions and Development Email Email [email protected] [email protected]

Councillor Kim Coghlan Councillor Paul Stretton Portfolio - Beautification, Parks & Gardens Portfolio - Environmental Management Email Email [email protected] [email protected]

Councillor George Fortune Councillor Mick Tully

Portfolio - Business Development Portfolio - Works and Construction and Town Planning Email Email [email protected] [email protected]

Council Meetings

Wednesday 27 May 2020 12:00 pm - Council Chamber, 23 West Street

Wednesday 10 June 2020 12:00 pm - Council Chamber, 23 West Street

Wednesday 24 June 2020 12:00 pm - Council Chamber, 23 West Street

Wednesday 08 July 2020 12:00 pm - Council Chamber, 23 West Street

Wednesday 22 July 2020 12:00 pm - Council Chamber, 23 West Street CEO’S DESK...

The cooler months really serve to remind us all just how far into the year we've come - and what a very different year it's been for so many of us.

We're all very fortunate that the coronavirus does not yet have a presence in Mount Isa, but our lives have still significantly changed as a result of it.

From temporary school closures, to the cancellation of community events and sporting competitions, and restaurants and cafés going takeaway-only, the world has certainly been turned upside-down.

However, the situation is improving.

In keeping with Stage 1 of the easing of COVID-19 restrictions in Outback Queensland, earlier this month Council was pleased to reopen all local parks that include playground equipment (such as the Family Fun Park, Skate Park and Playway Park), as well as the City Library, which is now operating in a limited capacity.

We urge all park visitors and Library patrons to obey social-distancing rules when they're at these facilities. It is strongly recommended that people bring their own hand sanitiser for use before and after using playground equipment at the parks, and ensure they keep to a limit of 10 people per group.

For the timebeing, the Library is open from 9.30am to 1.30pm, Monday to Friday, but these hours will be reviewed in the coming weeks.

There is a limit of 10 patrons allowed in the Library at any one time, and the focus is on the "click-and-collect" service, whereby patrons can reserve a book online and pick it up in person at the Library. Alternatively, you can use the catalogue computer to choose the book you would like, and a Library staff member will collect it for you.

A great selection of books - including children's books - DVDs and magazines will be on display and available to borrow in the Library foyer each day, with the items to be updated daily after cleaning.

At this time, Splashez Aquatic Centre will remain closed, as will the Container Exchange area of the Waste Management Facility, but these closures will also be reviewed in the coming weeks.

We appreciate and understand that these changes to Council facilities can be an inconvenience for some, however it's vital for these steps to be taken as they're in the best interests of the health and safety of the whole community.

Sharon Ibardolaza Chief Executive Officer COVID-19 Council Facilities to Reopen

Council is pleased to announce that parks across our city and the City Library have now been re-opened. This is as a result of Stage 1 of the easing of COVID-19 restrictions in Outback Queensland which came into effect at midnight on Friday, May 15.

Parks Parks that include play equipment - such as the Family Fun Park, Playway Park, Quota Park, Ron McCullough Park and the Skate Park - re-opened on Saturday, May 16. The water features at the Family Fun Park were re-opened about a week later.

Visitors to these facilities are reminded about the limitation of a maximum of 10 park visitors at a time and keeping to our social distancing measures.

We also advise that if visitors would like to use the play equipment at the parks to ensure that they bring hand sanitiser with them for use before and after use.

City Library The Library re-opened on Monday, May 18. Its new temporary opening hours are 9.30am to 1.30pm, Monday to Friday.

Public access will be restricted to 10 patrons at any one time and to areas that include the foyer, computer/photocopier and the customer service area.

Patrons are reminded that they need to practise good hand hygiene and are urged to use the hand- sanitising products provided at the Library.

Patrons are able to choose from a variety of books, magazines and DVDs including children's books.

Selections will be updated daily after cleaning. A reduced number of public computers will be available for use.

At this time, browsing of books on Library shelves is not available.

The Library also offers a "click-and-collect" service, where patrons are able to reserve books online from the Council's website and pick them up in person at the Library customer service area.

Public Toilets Re-opened as of Saturday, May 16:

● Within the Miles Street carpark ● Within the Sunset Lawn Cemetery ● Within Captain James Cook Oval ● Within Sunset Oval ● Within the Family Fun Park ● Within Playway Park ● Camooweal Town Hall ● Moondarra Crossing Park

Splashez Aquatic Centre Please be advised that the Splashez Aquatic Centre will remain closed at this time.

For more information, please call Council on 4747 3200. PROUD to be your Council

Council's Waste Management team includes, pictured from left, Leading Hand Marcello Lenuzza, Administration Officer Elliette Smith-Nancarrow, Team Leader Sam Wylie, Leading Hand Brett Albert, and Waste Management Officers Russell Hunter and Elia Henley.

Waste Management Team

The Waste Management team is responsible for all facets of the waste management process, from the collection of residential and business waste across Mount Isa and Camooweal, to resource recovery, waste separation and the operation of the landfill.

Based at the Waste Management Facility, team members collect and empty residential and commercial wheelie bins, assist customers who are disposing of self-hauled waste at the facility, and run the Container Exchange area (which is temporarily closed due to COVID-19 restrictions), sorting and counting eligible drinks containers.

The facility also has an environmental authority to dispose of two streams of regulated waste (asbestos and shredded tyres). IN THE NEWS

Family Fun Precinct to Undergo $5.1 Million Upgrade The Mount Isa Family Fun Park and surrounding wonderful long-term investment in the precinct will be significantly upgraded and community and is very good news for Mount Isa,” improved thanks to a $5.1 million project jointly Cr Slade said. funded by the Queensland Government’s Building our Regions (BoR) program and Council. “As a Council, we have to keep going and doing what’s best for the community, and this is part of Stage 2 of the Family Fun Precinct that long-term vision. Redevelopment project will deliver critical infrastructure improvements to increase the “We envisage the Family Fun Park will be a facility usability, functionality and appeal of the multi- that will be highly utilised once COVID-19 use recreational venue. restrictions have been lifted.”

Mayor Danielle Slade said the Precinct – which State Development Minister Kate Jones said the comprises the Family Fun Park, Mount Isa Skate government was proud to be partnering with Park and Splashez Aquatic Centre – was a vital councils and the private sector to deliver projects part of the city’s sports and recreation that create jobs. infrastructure, and the upgrade would give it a much-needed boost. “We are facing one of the most difficult times in our State’s history. But we know that to fast-track “While Council is certainly aware of the Queensland’s economic recovery, we need to importance of being careful with its spending in invest in job-creating projects in regional the current climate, this project will be a Queensland,” she said. IN THE NEWS “This program will not only create hundreds of construction jobs across the regions, it will create more employment opportunities for locals, helping small businesses in these communities and boosting industry supply chains.”

BoR Round 5 focuses on construction and planning projects that will create and sustain long-term employment in regional Queensland.

Under previous BoR funding rounds almost $295 million has been allocated to 223 projects across 66 local government areas in regional Queensland.

This work has supported more than 2400 jobs and attracted additional investment of $487 million from councils and other organisations.

Councillor Kim Coghlan, whose portfolio is Parks and Gardens, said the Family Fun Park has remained a popular facility but is more than ready for an upgrade to bring it up to a higher standard.

“I along with many other residents look forward to the project completion,” Cr Coghlan said.

She said the upgrade project was bound to be very well received by Mount Isa community members.

The upgrade is planned to include:

● Installation of new strategically placed ● Minor upgrades to signage and sustainable shade structures throughout the Fun Park, landscaping. Parklands, Skate Park and Aquatic Centre; The Family Fun Park will get new fencing and ● Security upgrades including fit-for-purpose security lighting, which is designed to discourage fencing and lighting; vandalism and antisocial behaviour in the area, and the new shade structures to be installed will be ● Re-surfacing and irrigation upgrades in high- of the highest quality to protect the children and use areas; adults who frequent the park from sunburn and sun damage. ● Replacement and installation of new play equipment, free exercise equipment and The project was made possible thanks to $3.756 high-impact park furniture throughout; million in funding from Round 5 of the Queensland Government’s BoR program, with Council to ● Upgrades to pedestrian/cycle paths through contribute $1.355 million to the project. the Parklands and flooring in the Amphitheatre; Council’s contribution of $1.355 million (including in-house professional and technical expenses) is ● Aquatic Centre operational upgrades part of its obligation to receive the $3.756 million in including a solar energy initiative and Queensland Government funding and was dedicated first aid/lifeguard facilities; and allocated in Council’s 2019/20 Budget. IN THE NEWS

PIC: Mayor Danielle Slade, Commerce North West President Chris Boshoff, and MITEZ Chief Executive Officer Glen Graham Funding Announcement for CopperString Project Welcomed

Mayor Danielle Slade has welcomed the announcement by the Queensland Government that it will commit $14.8 million to the proposed $1.5 billion CopperString high-voltage powerline project to connect the North West to the National Electricity Market on the east coast.

"This funding brings this once-in-a-lifetime project one step closer to becoming a reality and is excellent news for Mount Isa and the North West Minerals Province," Cr Slade said.

"CopperString 2.0 will lead to a significant increase in the scope, size and capabilities of the region's mining industry, because a connection to the National Electricity Grid will reduce the cost of electricity for mining operations, minerals processors and other industrial customers.

"This will safeguard the future of thousands of mining jobs and greatly improve business confidence and the competitiveness of the mining sector for generations to come, which will have very real flow-on benefits for local communities in the North West.

"It's estimated that the construction phase alone of the CopperString project will create 750 new jobs.

"This is the sort of major infrastructure project our region needs now more than ever.

"I welcome this funding announcement and look forward to seeing the CopperString 2.0 project progress."

The CopperString project will deliver a 1100-kilometre high-voltage transmission line - the nation's largest geographical expansion of the National Electricity Market - and integrate the North West's isolated power supply with North Queensland and the rest of the state's electricity network. IN THE NEWS

Future Closure of Mica Creek Power Station

Mayor Danielle Slade has expressed her extreme disappointment at the recent announcement that Stanwell Corporation will be closing its Mica Creek Power Station in January next year.

"Mica Creek was the city's first power station, so to hear that it will be mothballed and placed into cold storage after 60 years of vital service to the Mount Isa area and local mining operations is disappointing to say the least for our community," Cr Slade said.

"This closure will mean Mount Isa will be reduced to only one station - Diamantina Power Station - from next year.

"It's important for our community to continue to have competition and options when it comes to the supply of electricity for both residential and mining purposes.

"To that end, going forward, we intend to work very closely with the State Member for Traeger, Robbie Katter MP, and the proposed CopperString high-voltage transmission line project that will link Mount Isa up to the National Electricity Market on the eastern seaboard, to ensure that electricity prices for mining operations in the North West remain competitive.

"Doing so will safeguard the future of the local mining industry and thus the local economy, jobs and livelihoods."

While at least nine staff members will be kept on-site for the next four or so years to carry out decommissioning work at Mica Creek Power Station, Cr Slade said it's reassuring to hear there will be no forced redundancies and that Stanwell will be looking for other job opportunities for affected workers during this time.

"It is also heartening that Stanwell Corporation has stated it understands that the workers and their families at Mica Creek Power Station are an essential part of the Mount Isa community and their welfare is Stanwell's primary concern at this point," she said.

"I thank the team of workers at the Mica Creek Power Station for the amazing job they have all done over the years."

Cr Slade also welcomed Stanwell's announcement that it will continue its involvement in the North West Minerals Province, investigating projects which may have the potential to support the future supply of secure affordable electricity to the region. IN THE NEWS

Local puppeteer Louis Johnson, left, and Council RADF Chair Councillor Phil Barwick. RADF Grant to assist local puppeteer Louis Johnson

Popular local puppeteer Louis Johnson will be adding even more puppets to his collection to help spread messages about the importance of kindness, respect, sharing and self-expression to local children, thanks to a $6000 grant from Round 2 of Council's Regional Arts Development Fund (RADF).

Louis said he plans to continue building and complete several of the puppets designed through his company, Reloveolution, which aims to create intelligent, non-intrusive social engagement with youth, particularly Indigenous youth, through puppetry.

"We want to talk about the issues that young people, especially Indigenous youth, face today, such as bullying, self-acceptance, self-expression, gender identity and creativity," Louis said.

"We want to be a bridge to help bring about change in young people's lives."

Louis, also known in the region as "Uncle Louie", is best-known for his much-loved puppet, Dr Kevin, who has made appearances at events and schools across the North West and teaches children why it's important to be kind to others. IN THE NEWS Dr Kevin will be joined by the likes of flower Daisy Dew, who talks about the importance of protecting nature; Baba Jojo, an elderly scientist with prosthetic legs who discusses accepting people with differences; and Ben Jahmin, a Jamaican green tree frog that Louis is intending to transform into a tabletop puppet that plays Indigenous and non-Indigenous music.

Cr Barwick said the RADF committee is excited to fund Louis's project.

"The puppetry skills of Louis Johnson are well known at Mount Isa events and this grant will further develop the acts and entertainment for children and families," Cr Barwick said.

"The puppets will be ready for when the city is once again holding our great range of community events, hopefully later this year and into 2021."

Round 3 of Council's Regional Arts Development Fund opened on Monday, May 18, with applications to close on Wednesday, June 17, for projects beginning on June 18.

The projects should be able to meet COVID-19 rules - for example, online training, a mural, sculpture, recycled art piece, or paintings that don't breach restrictions on the number of people allowed in a gathering.

Cr Slade said one of the reasons the Regional Arts Development Fund is so important is that many of the projects it helps to make a reality often engage with Mount Isa youth.

"It's wonderful to see this particular grant proceed and I congratulate Louis and Reloveolution for being awarded this grant," Cr Slade said.

The Regional Arts Development Fund is a partnership between the Queensland Government and Mount Isa City Council to support local arts and culture in regional Queensland.

For more information, please call Council's RADF Liaison Officer on 4747 3200 or email [email protected] IN THE NEWS

Riversleigh Fossil Centre upgrade nears completion

The Riversleigh Fossil Centre Revitalisation Project is making excellent progress, with the upgrade set to be completed by about early June.

The project has been progressing steadily despite the temporary closure of Outback at Isa due to COVID-19 restrictions.

The $2.2 million revitalisation project has significantly redesigned and renovated the Riversleigh Fossil Centre and includes a range of new displays, upgraded lighting and audio-visual equipment, and new external signage and landscaping.

The recent minor roof fire in the nearby Outback at Isa Café did not damage the Riversleigh Centre, and the upgrade project is on track for completion in about early to mid-June.

A number of local businesses have contributed to the attraction's redevelopment project, including carrying out building modifications and installing the displays.

With COVID-19 restrictions gradually being relaxed, the date for the reopening of Outback at Isa and the opening of the upgraded Riversleigh Centre should be known in the coming months. IN THE NEWS

Sunset Oval Lighting

Installation Complete of New Lighting at Two Parks

The new lighting at Sunset Oval and Captain James Cook Park has now been installed and will extend the usability and improve the security of both public facilities once they are switched on.

The lighting - a $590,000 project that was 75% funded by the Federal Government, with Council investing the remaining 25% - comprises six sets of lights at each of the parks, with each set of lights to provide 100 lux of on-the-ground illuminance.

The light level is suitable for club-level competitions and practice and training sessions, as well as for recreational use, and takes into consideration the parks' proximity to busy roadways and residential properties.

The LED lights are affixed to the top of 25-metre-tall poles that are strategically placed around the parks to maximise light coverage.

The lights were installed by local business Mikkelsen Electrical Contractors, with the assistance of a crane, earlier this month.

Testing work was carried out the following week, and the lights will be switched on once they have been commissioned.

Commissioning work has been delayed due to COVID-19-related interstate travel restrictions. WORK SNAPSHOTS

The Parks & Gardens Team remain busy greening and beautifying Mount Isa

Spraying IN BRIEF

Solar Lighting on Tharrapatha Way Roads Crews In High Gear Tharrapatha Way, a popular multi-use pathway that Line-marking teams were kept busy last month, with runs alongside the Leichhardt riverbed near the Alma both the push machine and the ride-on machine being Street crossing in Soldiers Hill, now has solar-powered used. Some of the works have included stop and give- safety lighting. way bars, centre lines, fog lines, car parks and disabled parking bays. Work has also commenced on Thomson The path previously had limited lighting and was difficult Road, marking out the chevrons etc for the cycle path. to navigate at night. However, thanks to a $5000 trial A crew was also sent out to Camooweal to remark lines project funded by a Star 8 Australia, it now has several there. solar lights installed. Basic street-cleaning operations were carried out, with The solar lights will sit at 25 percent brightness, and when crews slashing grass from road edges and removing approached within eight metres, sensors will detect the gravel manually from gutters where required. movement and the lights will brighten to 75 percent capacity, making the entrance to the pathway easier Signage works continued to be steady during April, with to locate at night. signs being done at the Camooweal/Mary Street roundabout, and the replacement of damaged or Consultation to Begin for faded signs around town. Signage is about to be installed along Thomson Road for the cycle path. Gallipoli Park Upgrade Stakeholder consultation will soon commence for the Street sweepers were busy during the month of April. $895,000, Queensland Government-funded upgrade of Sweeping was carried out both in the CBD and city Gallipoli Park in Soldiers Hill. streets, including centre median strips in certain areas. A total of 60 tonnes of debris was collected, and almost The project involves the construction of a custom 1000km of roads serviced. asphalt pump track, full-sized multi-use court (e.g. basketball, soccer, futsal, handball, tennis, volleyball A crew also cleaned the footpaths in front of Kmart at and badminton), an exercise equipment zone, shade the taxi rank and also in front of Woolworths. shelters and other associated park furniture for free community use. Works were carried out along the footpath along East Street, including replacing damaged sections of the The upgrade is funded through Round 1 of the concrete and redoing pram ramps. Queensland Government's Active Community Infrastructure initiative. Library Staff Keep Busy During Closure The Mount Isa City Library has recently reopened to the Mount Isa Memorial Cemetery public, after temporarily closing on March 26 due to Works Continue COVID-19 restrictions. Construction is continuing on a new retaining wall at the Mount Isa Memorial Cemetery, as part of a $600,000 During the closure, staff carried out necessary beautification project made possible thanks to funding collection maintenance, including cataloguing and from the Queensland Government's Works for adding resources to the Library Management System, Queensland program. assessing the collection for damaged items and preparing for a stocktake. The project, which began with work at the main carpark - including constructing new islands to separate and During the closure, loan periods for items currently on organise traffic flow, resurfacing and resealing the issue were extended, and an online membership carpark, and carrying out line-marking - also involved category was initiated. Staff continued to do virtual sealing the dirt footpaths in the conventional cemetery children's outreach by pre-recording stories and songs section, updating the planter beds at the entrance, and posting them on the Library's Facebook page. and upgrading the hard stand area for the RSL monument. Adult patrons are catered for with access to e-books and e-audiobooks, and the film-streaming app The new retaining wall is near the new entrance to the available to library members. These are promoted cemetery off Commercial Road, with stone gravel to be regularly, and plans include doing book and film placed on the corners of the side entrance. reviews by staff members. IN BRIEF

Environmental Services

The Environmental Services department inspected They also recently investigated three public health 28 licensed food premises and issued reports nuisance complaints relating to mosquito and pest outlining non-compliances observed during infestation. inspections and advice on corrective actions required during April. Two of the mosquito complaints were due to the presence of an unhygienic pool and unsightly The department assessed and approved five backyard. The owner of the alleged properties was temporary food stall applications for various issued with Public Health Orders under the Public fundraising activities, with all applicants issued Health Act 2005 to remove the public health risks licences. immediately.

Team members also conducted Food Safety The third mosquito complaint was due to stagnant Supervisor Training. The ES Coordinator provided a water in a stormwater drain. Council is organising to face-to-face nationally recognised Food Safety spray the area for mosquito treatment. Supervisor training to six participants from various Mount Isa food businesses, to help them gain the Environmental Services received three new cases necessary food safety qualification. of illegal dumping and finalised two cases from the previous month. The team responded to 13 complaints made in relation to various environmental health and public The case suspects from the previous month were health concerns. issued with a Show Cause Notice followed by a Compliance Notice and a Penalty Infringement Environmental Health Officers recently conducted Notice to one of the offenders under the Waste follow-up inspections of two food businesses that Reduction and Recycling Act 2011. were issued with an improvement notice. Both suspects were required to undertake the The follow-up inspections were conducted to clean-up of the waste that was dumped. One of assess whether the businesses had addressed the the new cases remains on hold, while the other non-compliance outlined in the improvement case remains under investigation. notice.

Cemetery Works - Retaining Wall Community Grants With restrictions slowly being eased, find out what is Regional Arts Development Fund required from your club or organisation to meet government requirements. Do you have a great idea for an arts or cultural project? Why not apply for a RADF grant which could cover up Queensland Sport and Recreation have created a to 65% of your total project costs. guide to help you return to play, safely. It includes information for sporting clubs, recreation and fitness Round 3 2019/2020 Close 5:00pm Wednesday 17 June organisations, coaches, parents and participants. 2020

Check it out online at www.COVID19-QldSportRec- Applications are encouraged for programs that meet ReturnToPlay the current COVID-19 restrictions.

Open Grants More information can be found at: www.mountisa.qld.gov.au/radf Budget Direct Sponsorships

Budget Direct are open to sponsoring registered RACQ Foundation Community Funding organisations or associations that: ● provide local or statewide community services RACQ Foundation gives back with financial assistance ● run community awareness and education programs for community organisations affected by natural ● promote health and wellbeing (e.g. sports clubs) disasters, such as storm, flood, fire and drought. The ● advocate for road safety Foundation also run Community Assistance Projects to ● provide emergency services lend a much-needed helping hand to communities ● support in need or at-risk Australians doing it tough. ● help build strong, vibrant communities. In 2019, RACQ Foundation approved $1,074,482 in If your organisation is eligible, you can apply for funding for community groups. Since its inception in sponsorship of $1,000, $2,000, or $5,000. 2011, RACQ Foundation has distributed more than $8.5 million to 205 community groups and clubs. More information is available at www.budgetdirect.com.au/about-us/sponsorships.html From Southport, to Cape York, RACQ Foundation supports community organisations throughout Small Business Queensland. COVID-19 Adaption Grant Program Round 2 applications are open now and close 19 June 2020. The objective of this program is to support small More information can be found at: businesses subject to closure or highly impacted by the coronavirus (COVID-19) shutdown restrictions www.racq.com.au/about/community-and- announced by the Queensland Government, to adapt sponsorships/racq- and sustain their operations, and build resilience. foundation?mc_cid=32c1c98c95&mc_eid=4b570b7c 8e The program aims to see small and micro businesses: ● prepare for the safe resumption of trading in the post COVID-19 recovery ● access digital technologies to rebuild business operations and transition to a new way of doing business ● respond to online opportunities, where possible, to sustain employment and maintain potential for longer-term growth ● upskill and reskill business owners and staff to benefit from new technologies or business models ● embrace business diversification to adapt and sustain operations ● create or retain employment. More information can be found at https://www.business.qld.gov.au/starting- business/advice-support/grants

Mount Isa City Council Council’s customer service centre is open Monday to Friday between 8:30 am - 5:00 pm (excluding public holidays) for phone and email queries Face to Face Customer Services is now limited to 10 am - 2 pm during COVID-19 Restrictions Location 23 West Street Mount Isa | Phone 4747 3200 | Fax 4747 3209 Email [email protected] | Web www.mountisa.qld.gov.au

Splashez Aquatic Centre Splashez Aquatic Centre is CLOSED due to COVID-19 Restrictions Location 61 Isa Street Mount Isa | Phone 4743 2137 Email [email protected] | Web www.mountisa.qld.gov.au For regular updates of Splashez activities visit their facebook page!

Mount Isa City Library The City Library is CLOSED due to COVID-19 Restrictions Location 23 West street Mount Isa | Phone 4747 3350 For regular updates of Library activities visit their facebook page!

Outback at Isa Visitor and Information Centre is CLOSED due to COVID-19 Restrictions The Cafe remains open for catering and takeaway orders only. For regular updates and menu visit their facebook page! Location 19 Marian Street Mount Isa | Phone 4749 1555 Web www.mietv.com.au Did you know?… To pay your rates by credit card via an automated phone system, simply phone 1300 885 175 and have your biller code and reference number ready.

Council accepts MasterCard and Visa only.

Rates payments can also be paid online at www.mountisa.qld.gov.au.

Our friendly customer service team is happy to help with any enquiries if you call us 47473200. MOUNT ISA NEWS May 2020 Your community newsletter

Captain James Cook Park Lighting

Phone 07 4747 3200 | email [email protected] | www.mountisa.qld.gov.au | www.facebook.com/MountIsaCityCouncil/