More good news what we all need

DURING the economic gloom and doom of the COVID-19 pandemic it’s nice to get some good news.

On Thursday we had Jeff Horn and Tim Tszyu touch down in Townsville to prepare for Wednesday night’s superfight.

Primed to be the biggest boxing match in the world for 2020, because of coronavirus implications, millions of people are expected to tune in from around the globe.

It’s great news for Townsville and should be a boost for the tourism industry when international flights finally come back online.

This week, we can expect an influx of fight fans into Townsville with 14,000 expected in Queensland Country Bank Stadium for the bout.

Hopefully they stay on for the Supercars on Saturday and Sunday.

What’s an even better win for Townsville during these troubling times is the news the gold mine at Ravenswood is set to employ 400 people.

The first jobs have already been advertised for the expansion of the historic goldfields, about 100km south of Townsville.

The move will turn the site into Queensland’s largest gold mine.

Managing director and CEO Brett Fletcher said the company was excited about the prospects of developing the operation.

“I think it’s fantastic. We have a hugely positive culture on site.

“A lot of people we are attracting are experienced operators, some in the Bowen Basin,” Mr Fletcher said.

Another positive is that the jobs are well paid and the company is focused on employing locals.

With the average wage coming in at about $122,000 a year it’s massive boost to the region in a time we need it most.