Click the video above for an overview of the first day of the North West Queensland road trip for Townsville Enterprise CEO Patricia O'Callaghan and Director - Policy & Investment Wayde Chiesa, which included:
- Ravenswood Gold mine and operations overview and tour, $600M expansion update, and update on Ravenswood community and developments
- Charters Towers Regional Council meeting with Mayor and Councillors
- Flinders Shire Council meeting with Mayor and Councillors and overview of Recreational Lake Precinct
On the first day of our North West Queensland road trip, highlighting the importance of this critical corridor to our region and Queensland’s COVID-19 economic recovery, we had the opportunity to tour Ravenswood Gold mine. Whilst on site we were provided an update on Ravenswood Gold’s $600M expansion project, a comprehensive site tour, and saw for ourselves just how integrated the company is within the surrounding community.
Ravenswood Gold is an open cut gold mine with a processing facility currently employing approximately 200 people. The company has a significant footprint across the north with 95% of employees permanent residents of areas including Townsville, Ayr, Charters Towers, Ravenswood and Ingham.
Across their upcoming $600M expansion project this workforce is estimated to double which is great news for our region at a time more important than ever. It’s welcomed news that recruitment will begin shortly for this project. The company has a firm focus on supporting local content though jobs as well as through contracts.
Ravenswood Gold is a major economic contributor to the local community and wider North Queensland. From building a new $10M school, supplying medical services, and growing tourism opportunities, the operations of Ravenswood Gold are truly more than just mining.
Charters Towers Regional Council Mayor Frank Beveridge and his full team of Councillors then hosted us in Charters Towers where we discussed their regional priorities, COVID-19 economic recovery, and the Big Rocks Weir Project which Council will be nominating as a proponent for if the project proceeds following the finalisation of the Business Case.
The first day was concluded with an evening hosted by Flinders Shire Council Mayor Jane McNamara and her Councillors at the stunning new $6M Hughenden Recreational Lake Precinct. The 59 acre Lake development is an exciting attraction for the area and is a welcomed addition for locals and visitors alike.
Daily updates on the road trip will be available at our website and Facebook page as we continue to shine the spotlight on the companies, communities and contributors that will unlock the north, and progress the state.
