Sydney - An Australian mining town short of women was in hot water Monday for claiming that even the "beauty-disadvantaged" could find mates.

Mayor John Molony was standing by his claim that because blokes outnumber women five to one in the Queensland town of Mount Isa, even ugly ducklings were thought attractive

"Quite often you'll see walking down the street a lass who is not so attractive with a wide smile on her face," Molony said. "Whether it's a recollection of something previous or anticipation for the next evening, there's a degree of happiness."

Fellow councillor Jean Ferris said both men and women were disgusted by Molony's remarks.

"It's an absolute disgrace," she told Australia's AAP news agency. "We're definitely appalled." (dpa)