That's the claim from former mayor Mike Neville.

"The cash economy has dried up somewhat and possibly that is because there are a number of people in custody," Cr Neville said.

"Blind Freddy would know when there is a significant drug activity going on there is a significant impact on the economy. I think police have done an oustanding job and I encourage them to continue to do it."

Cr Neville was responding to criticism aimed at Mayor John Dal Broi regarding the downturn in the economy.

He said he was sick of the doom and gloom expressed over the city's economy by some residents.

"Perhaps rather than talking things down, people should start talking things up. I would also encourage customer service personel to put a smile on their face for five minutes."

Cr Neville said he believed council general manager Brett Stonestreet was doing the job he had been tasked with.

"You recruit people and task them to do certain things," Cr Neville said.

He said Mr Stonestreet had been asked to curtail spending and he believed he was "on track to do that".

"Our finances are in a lot sounder position than they were six or eight years ago," Cr Neville said.

Cr Neville said council was in the process of viewing Mr Stonestreet's KPIs.

He said he was no stranger to criticism in his role as an elected representative.