Sevens heaven for Townsville’s economy

Townsville rugby fans and the city’s business owners have reaped the benefits of the weekend’s PacificAus Rugby Sevens tournament.

TOWNSVILLE rugby fans and the city’s business owners have reaped the benefits of the weekend’s PacificAus Rugby Sevens tournament.

The 24-match contest is said to have provided a huge boost to the region’s economy with fans and players coming from far and wide to get in on the action.

Federal Herbert MP Phillip Thompson attended Saturday evening’s matches and said not only was it a world-class event for local rugby fans but also “extra business for local businesses who’ve been doing it so tough”. Mr Thompson said Townsville’s hosting of the event was designed to help teams prepare for next month’s Olympics and said it was a “huge boost for the city”.

“Our city also has a strong connection and history with the Pacific so I was very keen for us to provide as much support as possible to get this event here.”

The event was part of the federal government’s $52m investment to strengthen Australia’s relationships in the Pacific through high-level sport, badged PacificAus Sports.

“We know how to put on great events and I’m sure the community won’t have been disappointed,” Mr Thompson said.

The event comes after the city staged Game One of State of Origin, and hosted last year’s Tim Tszyu versus Jeff Horn fight.

Originally published as Sevens heaven for Townsville’s economy