Latest update on Cowboys’ high performance centre

The Member for Cairns has called for greater advocacy with a $25m high performance centre crucial to the Cowboys expanding further north set to fall over without state government funding.

Member for Cairns Michael Healy is urging community leaders to back the proposed high performance centre at West Barlow Park. Picture: Brendan Radke

Member for Cairns Michael Healy has called for greater advocacy from city leaders with a $25m high performance centre near Barlow Park set to fall over without state government funding.

But Cairns Mayor Amy Eden says conversations between the council, the Cowboys’ top brass and the state government have been encouraging.

Concept plans for the Community Development and High Performance Centre in the Barlow Park precinct. Photo: North Queensland Cowboys.

In October, Mr Healy announced plans to build the state-of-the-art facility with the Queensland Academy of Sport (QAS) and North Queensland Cowboys NRLW responsible for running the facility.

Under the deal’s terms, a re-elected Labor government would tip in $15m with the Cowboys investing $10m as part of plans to relocate its women’s team to the Far North by 2026.

The proposed Community Development and High Performance Centre would allow Far North athletes to access elite training facilities closer to home.

But with the LNP yet to commit any funding following the state election, the Far North MP said the project was now under threat.

“We’ve already got a commitment from the Cowboys (for a high performance centre),” Mr Healy said.

“Now they’re pretty well not going to do anything, which is understandable, until there’s a little bit more money put up by the government.

“What I want to know is, where’s the state government? What are the Cairns Regional Council doing about this? What’s happened to the discussion about all this?

“They’re happy to stand and get photos with everybody, but what’s happening now mayor?”

North Queensland Cowboys chairman Lewis Ramsay, paralympian Grant "Scooter" Patterson, Northern Pride chairman Terry Medhurst, Cairns Mayor Amy Eden and Cowboys chief executive Jeff Reibel walk onto the grounds at West Barlow Park in October. Picture: Brendan Radke

In response, Ms Eden said conversations between the council and the Cowboys’ top brass were ongoing.

“I think he’s on the sidelines,” Ms Eden said of the Member for Cairns.

“It’s probably hard for him to see that there is really good, healthy engagement with the Cowboys.

“Just a couple of weeks ago the CEO (Ken Gouldthorp) and I met with the (Cowboys’) CEO (Jeff Reibel) and board chair (Lewis Ramsay) in Cairns.

“I speak to the Cowboys’ CEO on a very regular basis. They’re having very productive conversations with the state government.”

When asked who should lobby for funding to establish the high performance centre at West Barlow Park, Ms Eden said the council played a secondary role.

“I think you’ve answered your own question,” she said.

“It’s a Cowboys project. They’re going to be the face of it. It’s their project.”

The mayor added she was still willing to work with the former tourism and sport minister to advocate for the city.

“His (Mr Healy’s) relationship (with me) has changed because he’s not in government,” Ms Eden said.

“Have I written a letter to say congratulations on your re-election? Yes, I have.

“I’ve got to work with everyone and the community deserves that.”

When contacted, sport minister Tim Mander declined to comment. Federal infrastructure minister Catherine King didn’t respond to questions prior to deadline.

Originally published as Latest update on Cowboys’ high performance centre