Coalition coy on funding for Cairns high performance centre as Cowboys’ NRLW relocation plans stall

The North Queensland Cowboys will double down on plans to relocate their NRLW team to Cairns despite a change of government creating a potential $15m shortfall for the powerhouse club.

Jasmine Peters of the Cowboys scores a try during the round seven NRLW match between North Queensland Cowboys and Wests Tigers at Queensland Country Bank Stadium on September 07, 2024 in Townsville, Australia. (Photo by Ian Hitchcock/Getty Images)

The North Queensland Cowboys will double down on plans to relocate their NRLW team to Cairns despite a change of government creating a potential $15m shortfall for the powerhouse club.

In October, Labor announced plans to build a $25m high performance centre at Barlow Park with the Cowboys tipping in $10m as part of a bold plan to move their women’s team to the Far North by 2026.

Concept plans for the Community Development and High Performance Centre in the Barlow Park precinct. Cowboys release vision for growth in Cairns. Photo: Supplied by North Queensland Cowboys.

Member for Cairns Michael Healy, who championed the project, said the “game-changing” facility could nurture homegrown champions in partnership with the Queensland Academy of Sport and encourage investment from the commonwealth.

But since the LNP’s big election win, talks have cooled with the Coalition yet to commit to the major development which has received broad support from business groups, sporting clubs and civic leaders.

Sport minister Tim Mander has yet to publicly back the proposed $25m high performance facility in Cairns. Photo Steve Pohlner

In a statement, sport minister Tim Mander highlighted the LNP’s $250m commitment to invest in community sports infrastructure but failed to declare whether that would include backing the Barlow Park project.

“I look forward to the opportunity to meet with the North Queensland Cowboys to hear more about their plans for construction of the centre, as well as relocation of the Cowboys NRLW team,” the former NRL referee said.

Cowboys CEO Jeff Reibel said the club remained bullish about its chances of securing further funding for the facility which it had planned to run in partnership with the QAS.

“Our vision to build a Community Development and High Performance Centre and locate our NRLW team in Cairns remains unchanged,” Mr Reibel said.

“We continue to conduct discussions with all relevant stakeholders, with talks progressing positively.”

A rendered image of the proposed Community Development and High Performance Centre to be located at the Barlow Park sport precinct in Cairns. Photo: Supplied by North Queensland Cowboys.

A failure to secure funding would come as a major blow to Cairns, with Cairns Regional Council aiming for the region to become “the leading destination for women’s sport in Australia”.

“Council continues to work with all key stakeholders, including the NQ Cowboys and with the state government to establish this facility, which will complement the proposed Barlow Park upgrades and enhance the city’s attractiveness as a destination to ‘train and play’ for athletes in the lead up to and following the Brisbane 2032 Games,” a spokesman said.

Highlighting the Cowboys’ commitment to Cairns, the men’s team will kick-off their pre-season with a Valentine’s Day clash at Barlow Park, Mr Reibel said.

“We look forward to beginning our 2025 NRL season with a trial game against the Dolphins under the brand-new broadcast quality lights at Barlow Park, with all funds raised from the game remaining in Cairns to support and grow rugby league in Far North Queensland,” he said.

Originally published as Coalition coy on funding for Cairns high performance centre as Cowboys’ NRLW relocation plans stall