It has a population of 140 000, and is the only city on Earth to refine three different metals - Zinc, Copper and Nickel. There is also suggestion since August 2002 that a Magnesium refinery may be constructed.
Townsville is also the home of James Cook University, and a large military base.
Townsville was named after Robert Towns and as a port town, began expanding west away from the coast over time into the districts of Thuringowa.
Townsville should not be mistaken for the home town of the Powerpuff Girls, which has the same name.