Qld cop has surgery after brutal bashing

An outback Queensland policeman has undergone surgery to repair his broken jaw following a brutal bashing in Mount Isa.

The 32-year-old constable was assaulted when he went to George McCoy Park in Mount Isa after complaints about a group of people drinking there on Friday night.

He was initially treated at Mount Isa Hospital for his injuries before being airlifted to Townsville Hospital.

A spokeswoman for Townsville Hospital said the officer was now in a stable condition after surgery.

A 24-year-old man has been charged with grievous bodily harm and remains in custody after facing court on Saturday.

Mount Isa Acting Superintendent Chris Hodgman said the constable is in good spirits, and already asking when he could return to work.

"It's obviously a serious injury and he will have some time off work," Supt Hodgman told Townsville Bulletin.

"When it's appropriate he will come back and work some suitable duties."