State of Origin 2021: Readers have say on whether Cairns needs rectangular stadium

With Townsville selling out for Origin game one, we asked whether readers support a top-notch rectangular stadium for Cairns - and it seems the majority of Far Northerners are on the same side of the debate.

DOES Cairns need a top-notch rectangular sporting stadium?

It’s a concept that has been floated multiple times in recent years, and with Townsville about to host its first State of Origin game following the establishment of Queensland Country Bank Stadium, hopes have been resurrected that Cairns could follow suit with a new stadium.

And, according to the results of a Cairns Post poll, the majority of readers are on board with the idea.

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A convincing 70 per cent of respondents say Cairns does need a new stadium, while 30 per cent are not in favour.

“There’s a lot to be said for a multi-functional stadium that could simultaneously host all of our regular sports on a day-to-day basis (footy, rugby, soccer, vigoro, equestrian) all in there own little areas but can then immediately convert to a dinkum stadium capable of Grand Finals, rock concerts and a full-on military tattoo,” Brian D said.

However, there was plenty of division over on the Cairns Post Facebook page.

“Waste of money; use it for health, education,” James Tohill said.

Enterprise North and the Northern Frontier Foundation released a blueprint in 2020 on how to create a 20,000-seat rectangular stadium at Barlow Park in Cairns. PICTURE: SUPPLIED

Nathan Kelly agreed: “We don’t need this...what a waste of money to host a couple of games a year....the money could be way better spent.”

But Dean N Joanne Catterall reckon there’s plenty of potential in a world-class stadium.

“We’re in an ideal location to host several events per year; Cairns has an international airport so we could host Australia v New Zealand games of any code plus we have more rooms than Townsville to accommodate spectators”.

Which side are you on? Have your say in the comments below.

Originally published as State of Origin 2021: Readers have say on whether Cairns needs rectangular stadium