Cowboys propose multimillion-dollar facility to transform Cairns into NRLW powerhouse
After months of speculation, the North Queensland Cowboys have outlined their vision to expand the club’s presence in Cairns with a string of multimillion dollar developments on the cards.
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The North Queensland Cowboys have outlined their vision to turn Cairns into the home of NRLW in the north by 2027, with plans to build a multimillion-dollar high performance centre for their women's team at Barlow Park.
The major move is centred around the proposed construction of a multimillion-dollar community development and high performance centre at Barlow Park, which could revolutionise rugby league in the region.
“Today, we set forth our vision to put year-round, boots-on-the-ground in Cairns,” Mr Ramsay said.
“A city and community which is the backbone of the Far North and has ambitions to become Australia’s foremost location for elite women’s sport.
“Through exploratory meetings with local, state and federal government, it has been identified there is an opportunity to develop a purpose-built community development and high performance centre at West Barlow Park.
“Continued engagement and commitment from all levels of government would deliver permanent infrastructure and a new home for the Cowboys NRLW squad and Cowboys northern affiliate team and current (Queensland Cup) Minor Premiers, the Northern Pride.”
A key hurdle to the proposal is ensuring the women’s players have access to facilities equal to the men in Townsville, with the Cowboys opening their $40m high performance centre in 2021.
The proposal would be a major coup for the Far North and follows the announcement of a multimillion-dollar upgrade to Barlow Park, spurred on by the upcoming 2032 Brisbane Olympics.
Under the plans, the Cowboys NRLW team and Northern Pride would play and train on state-of-the-art facilities.
The construction of a community development and high performance centre – with co-investment from all levels of government – would result in $34.7m output for the local area, contribute $12.5m to the gross regional product and create the equivalent of 89 full time jobs, Mr Ramsay said.
“The ongoing operation of the centre and having our NRLW team located in Cairns would result in an ongoing $12.6m contribution to the Cairns economy annually, supporting the equivalent of 62 full time jobs,” he said.
“It is our firm belief that delivering the new community development and high performance centre will make a palpable and ongoing difference to all those who call Far North Queensland home as well as elite sportswomen who would be proud to make it their home-base.”
Mr Ramsay said the Far North Queensland community had contributed immensely to the success of the Cowboys since its inception in 1995.
Ramsay said the club’s vision was not restricted to day-to-day rugby league operations, but also included the wider Far North Queensland Community and economy.
Proposals include opening a Cowboys licensed venue similar to the Cowboys Leagues Club in Townsville, introducing popular Townsville-based community programs such as Adopt-a-School and Dream, Believe, Achieve, while expanding the Try 4 Five! school attendance program.
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