Riverway matches our hopes

MITCHELL Johnson is one of Townsville’s finest exports.

The retired Test cricket fast- bowler also talks a lot of sense too when it comes to developing the sport in regional areas and upgrading lighting at Townsville’s Riverway Stadium to help do so.

Cricket is the one sport that galvanises Australians.

It’s the definition of an Australian summer.

Cricket is what brings families together, whether it’s in the backyard, the beach or huddled around the television.

Cricket Australia is motivated to grow the sport at grassroots level and this year revealed plans to invest $ 35 million in a project.

As part of a three- year plan, the sporting organisation wants to focus on facilities, coaching and participation to encourage more people to engage in the nation’s favourite sport.

Spreading the big matches across regional areas should be an absolute priority.

Johnson, who retired from Test cricket last month, is in no doubt improving the local facility at Riverway by installing TV standard lighting would be a massive boost to the city.

This would, in turn, be a massive boost to the code.

Johnson’s view is that it’s crucial for kids playing cricket to feel as though they are part of it and for them to have access to seeing the stars in the flesh.

Cricket Australia tabled a presentation to local council more than two years ago where they highlighted Canberra’s Manuka Oval as a case study for Townsville to follow.

One of the ground’s advantages is that it is an accredited venue of the International Cricket Council and is, if not the only ground, then one of only a few with that accreditation outside of a capital city.

Anything that helps grow Townsville as an events destination as well as encouraging kids to get into sport is a winner in our eyes.