Cairns stadium pressure mounts in Olympic bid to upgrade Barlow Park
Pressure from the #STADIUMFORFNQ campaign is mounting as elected officials feel the heat to fix the city’s poor excuse for a world-class sporting arena.
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PRESSURE from the #STADIUMFORFNQ campaign is mounting as elected officials feel the heat to fix the city’s poor excuse for a world-class sporting arena.
Queensland is creeping towards the 2032 Olympics and authorities are still decide whether to transform Barlow Park into a facility worthy of the world stage.
Cairns Regional Council has now applied for both federal and state grants to fund $7.5m of a $10m lighting overhaul at the grounds.
The state government has also flagged a $40m-plus allocation for upgrades to make Cairns an Olympic satellite city – but what is required to convert Barlow Park to a true world-class rectangular stadium is closer to $120m.
Division 7 councillor Max O’Halloran revealed the local government was keenly aware of screws turning to get the crucial project built.
“Barlow Park is one that’s very controversial at the moment, and we’re getting plenty of heat,” he said.
“So if there’s a chance we can get a couple of bob and help us do a great job, we’re in it and we want to win it.”
The council is yet to draw up a business case or make a formal application for three-way funding from the state and federal governments.
However, it is confident of getting support from both political tiers for the $10m lighting and audiovisual technology upgrade.
“Generally there is a restriction on applying for multiple grants with the same level of government,” executive project officer Nick Massasso said.
“But we certainly have other instances where we’ve received both federal and state funding for a project.
“And with council putting in money as well, then we have a three-way arrangement.”
Council CEO Mica Martin said both the state and federal governments looked like coming to the table.
“We have had discussions with them about this particular item and they are indicating that it would be a favourable outcome,” she said.
Proponents for the stadium redevelopment are calling for a 12,000 to 14,000-seat facility that can be expanded to 20,000-25,000 in future years.
Barlow Park can currently seat just 1700 people – not including unseated space on the green.
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Originally published as Cairns stadium pressure mounts in Olympic bid to upgrade Barlow Park
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