Cairns to upgrade sports infrastructure and roads ahead of 2032 Olympics

Upgrading existing sports and roads infrastructure are on the agenda for the Far North after it was announced the region would host two Olympic events in 2032.

Cairns Convention Centre general manager Janet Hamilton, Member for Barron River Bree James and Member for Mulgrave Terry James have announced the Cairns Convention Centre will host basketball events in the 2032 Olympic Games. Photo: Catherine Duffy.

Existing sports infrastructure and roads will be upgraded in Far North Queensland after it was announced the region would at least host two Olympic events in 2032.

The state government announced on Tuesday Cairns would host football, basketball and potentially cricket events for the 2032 Olympic Games.

Football events will be held at Barlow Park with basketball to be held at the Cairns Convention Centre.

Member for Barron River Bree James said the Olympics was a great opportunity to upgrade the region’s existing sporting venues.

“The Convention Centre and Barlow Park are going to be two venues for the Olympics, which is fantastic news for Far North Queenslanders, especially those that love their soccer or football as it will be called in the Olympics,” Ms James said.

Member for Barron River Bree James, Cairns Convention Centre general manager Janet Hamilton and Member for Mulgrave Terry James have announced the Cairns Convention Centre will host basketball events in the 2032 Olympic Games. Photo: Catherine Duffy.

“The upgrades to Barlow Park are well overdue, so it’s really exciting that it will be a 5000 seat stadium which will be fantastic in the lead up to the Olympics.”

Cairns Convention Centre general manager Janet Hamilton said hosting the Olympic basketball events would be a huge boost to the region.

“We’re really proud to be selected as one of the Olympic venues,” Ms Hamilton said.

“It’s a fantastic opportunity for the centre, for our team (Cairns Taipans), but more importantly, the host city – the eyes of the world will turn to this city and it’s a great opportunity to show what we have to offer in Cairns and Far North Queensland.”

Premier David Crisafulli announced $91 million to upgrade Cairns Barlow Park in anticipation for the 2032 Olympics. Cairns Regional Council Mayor Amy Eden, Barron River MP Bree James, Mulgrave MP Terry James and Premier David Crisafulli inspect the stadiums upcoming plans. Photo: Tim Little.

In addition to the $91 million upgrades to Barlow park, Premier David Crisafulli said the games were an opportunity to build generational infrastructure for the region.

“It’s about building better facilities, it’s about making sure that we have better roads, it’s about making sure that we develop new products for people to be able to work and make a living,” Mr Crisafulli said.

“When you are building facilities for a big event I would argue it’s more important that you do the nuts and bolts.

“The upgrade of Barlow Park, that’s a really, really important part for this community but upgrading a hospital and creating a world-class health precinct is even more important, and both can go together.”

The Premier did not set a start date for the upgrades but when asked for a start date signalled it would be soon.

“Sooner the better, and there will be money in our first budget in just a couple of months,” Mr Crisafulli said.

“2032 is the end game, the window, but it shouldn’t have to wait to cut a ribbon until then, your local kids should be able to use it soon.

“The benefit of an event like this is if you get it right for all of Queensland and this plan does, there is an element of kids get an opportunity to compete at the world stage but the bigger play is that a young person can put a hard hat on and get a job in the area they already live.”

Originally published as Cairns to upgrade sports infrastructure and roads ahead of 2032 Olympics