The situation has been desperate for some months now, but we seem no closer to a solution.

Now we have a council that is in the position where it is being almost held to ransom by developers eager to cash in on the shortage.

The lack of land, the scarcity of builders and other tradespeople and a huge demand is adding to an already difficult situation.

It’s not unusual or unacceptable that investors and developers would want to be a part of this demand and cash in on it.

The market is tight enough and there is no room for those who are not prepared to follow due process.

A Mount Isa developer has been told to show cause as to why works started on his property should be allowed to continue.

But with the current shortage, it is almost a case where council is being backed into a corner, forced to okay developments on the fly instead of being given the opportunity to formally and comprehensively assess each on its merits.

What’s needed is an extensive review into what land is available in and around Mount Isa, what needs to be done to open that land up for development and what supporting infrastructure is required.

Additionally, there is a need for qualified tradespeople.

Easily said.

That much is most certainly true.

But the onus is on council, state and federal governments, local businesses - big and small - and the building industry as a whole to work together to solve this problem.

For one reason or another, land is always going to be a matter of concern in and around Mount Isa.

It’s a fact of life.

However it’s not an impossible sitation.