Sun burns bright for economy

SUN metals’ zinc refinery has already been an outstanding success story for the city of Townsville.

But Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk yesterday hinted there could be much more to come from the South Korean company and major North Queensland employer.

Ms Palaszczuk this month met Sun Metals officials in South Korea to discuss plans to boost operations at the refinery.

Earlier this year Sun Metals finished building Australia’s biggest private solar plant at its zinc refinery, south of Townsville.

The move to cut its reliance on power supplied from the grid was critical to ensure the company could move forward in the face of exorbitant energy prices.

Before it expands, the company still has concerns about power prices but the Premier has hinted issues had been resolved.

This new expansion could see $ 300 million invested in Townsville and 827 construction jobs at peak construction, as well as permanent refinery jobs.

In short it’s a fabulous development and fantastic news to a city bouncing back hard.

Adani good news expected

MORE than 130 people will attend Townsville Enterprise’s breakfast event this morning to hear from Adani chief executive Lucas Dow.

And you can bet your bottom dollar they will all be hoping Mr Dow has good news about when the Indian mining giant will break ground. There is real hope the company will start work on the mine well ahead of next year’s federal election.

And the mob of angry protesters, should they bother to turn up, certainly does not represent the majority of Townsville locals, who want to see work on the mine start as soon as possible.

Activists have the right to have their say but the misinformation and behaviour this past year have been nothing short of appalling.