Barlow Park upgrades announced with hope of securing new anchor tenant at venue in Cairns
Strained negotiations between the North Queensland Cowboys and Cairns Regional Council have thrown a major deal in jeopardy as the state government lays out the $91m red carpet to the pokies-rich club.
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Strained negotiations between the North Queensland Cowboys and Cairns Regional Council have thrown a major deal into jeopardy as the state and federal government lay out the $91m red carpet for the pokies-rich club.
Premier Steven Miles announced an additional $47m upgrade to Barlow Park on Wednesday morning, all but paving the way for the Cowboys to base their NRLW team in Cairns as early as 2026.
With $44m previously committed by the state government, the new joint funding deal will increase the West Stand’s capacity from 1700 fans to 3500 and improve amenities while creating 77 new jobs to complete the project.
But the plan to bring top-flight women’s rugby league to the Far North has slowed in recent weeks, with players reportedly upset by a lack of consultation throughout the process.
When asked whether the council was still in communication with the NRL club, Ms Eden offered a succinct nine-word response.
“When I have something to say, I’ll say it,” Ms Eden said on Wednesday.
It’s understood that talks between the council and the powerhouse Townsville club have been uneasy recently, with Cowboys officials privately frustrated that their plans were leaked before the club could make a major announcement.
Still, Member for Cairns Michael Healy said Barlow Park’s enhanced amenities and increased capacity would make the venue suitable for a new anchor tenant like the Cowboys women’s program, in the future.
“The investment we’re making at the state and federal level will provide the community with enhanced infrastructure,” Mr Healy said.
“My role is to ensure that anything we put here can serve the community. We’ll wait and see what discussions hold and see where we end up.
“But the key thing is there are opportunities up here moving forward.”
With construction expected to start in late 2025 and finish in 2028, the redeveloped facility will play a role in the Brisbane 2032 Olympics, Premier Steven Miles said.
“This is our Olympic and Paralympic legacy for Far North Queensland,” Mr Miles said.
“We’ll see major redevelopment here and it will be available for all the community and professional sports that use this fantastic facility before the Games and after, leaving a long lasting legacy.
“It will mean that the Cairns and Far North community can benefit and experience the Games.”
Asked if he’d like the Cowboys NRLW team to be based in Cairns, Mr Healy said he wouldn’t rule out the possibility.
“There’s a lot of things I’d like but what’s going to happen, we’ll just have to wait and see,” he said.
A total of 15,000 temporary seats will be used during the Olympics, bringing Barlow Park’s seated capacity to 20,000, with the site to host preliminary football matches.
Infrastructure Minister Grace Grace said the new development will also feature 1500 retractable seats, bringing fans closer to the field of play.
The Cowboys did not respond to a request for comment.
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