The Member for Mount Isa Rob Katter has just received an answer from the Minister for Energy and Water Supply, Mark McArdle to his question on notice, and feels it’s a positive one.
“I asked the Minister what plans he has to address the issue of rising water costs in Mount Isa, given the government’s endeavour to cut costs by reducing red tape.
“The Minister has now asked the Chair of the Water Board to explain what strategies they have in place or are considering putting in place to reduce the costs of bulk water, and/or to reduce the upward trend in bulk water costs for consumers.”
Mr Katter said he pointed out to the Minister that from 1973 to 1989, Mount Isa Water was administered by a part-time accountant as part of his practice in his small office in an arcade.
“Now it’s managed by 14 professional staff with a fleet of eight vehicles, operating out of a recently renovated building with a book value of $620,000.
“My concern is that costs like these are driving up the cost of water for the residents of Mount Isa, and it’s the Minister’s job, as owner of this Government entity, to ensure the resource is being managed properly.”