Major upgrade to Cairns’ Barlow Park gets green light

A $91 million upgrade of Cairns’ Barlow Park is set to support the region to attract more major events and ensure that Cairns will play its part in the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Australian and Queensland governments have jointly allocated funding from the $1.87 billion Minor Venues Program for the upgrade and procurement for the project will commence shortly.

The upgrade will see the current 1,700-seat West Stand rebuilt and its capacity more than doubled to 3,500 permanent seats, with an additional 1,500 retractable seats for use over the existing athletics track.

During the Games, the venue will be able to host football preliminaries with the addition of around 15,000 temporary seats bringing total capacity to 20,000.

Spectators will enjoy improved visibility and amenities, with the upgrade including space for food and beverage outlets and a function room, and incorporating best practice sustainability and accessibility standards.

The upgrade will also deliver better access to onsite amenities for athletes and players, including equitable access for female players and referees thanks to an increase in the number of changing facilities.

The project will support an average of 77 full-time equivalent jobs across each year of construction as well as further employment opportunities to support the venue’s ongoing operations and maintenance.

The tender process for the Managing Contractor will commence shortly. Appointment of the successful Managing Contractor is expected in late 2024, allowing works to begin in late 2025 and finish in 2028.

The Australian and Queensland governments have committed to sourcing at least 30 per cent of procurement from Queensland small and medium-sized enterprises for the Minor Venues Program, as well as targets for 10-15 per cent of all the hours on the projects to be undertaken by apprentices or trainees – helping to deliver the pipeline of construction workers the growing state needs.

Renders and flyover footage are available here.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government, the Hon Catherine King MP:

“The upgrade to Barlow Park will provide Cairns with a world class stadium capable of hosting football preliminaries during the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games - the biggest event ever to come to Queensland.

“Over $850 million in procurement for seven Games venue projects has now been announced. With eight years to go until the Games, that represents significant progress.”

Quotes attributable to Premier Steven Miles:

“In eight years’ time, our Aussie football stars of the future could be playing here at Barlow Park in search of a gold medal in front of 20,000 people.

“While it will provide a fantastic venue for the Games in 2032, these upgrades are a game-changer for the region.

“An upgraded Barlow Park will provide Cairns with a world-class venue that will help entice international events to the city and help inspire the next generation of our sporting stars.”

Quotes attributable to Minister for Cities, Senator the Hon Jenny McAllister:

“Regional cities like Cairns will have a world class venue because of the Albanese investment in the Brisbane 2032 Olympics.  As we continue to cheer on our sporting greats in the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic campaign, it’s incredibly exciting to think could soon be doing that right here in Cairns.

“We’re working closely with the Queensland Government to deliver venues that not only meet the needs of a global event like the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, but also provide the best outcomes for local communities now and in the future.”

Quotes attributable to Senator for Queensland Nita Green

“This government’s strong investment in sporting and community infrastructure will support Tropical North Queensland’s capacity to attract and host major events and leave a lasting legacy for the region – and our nation.”

“These significant upgrades will deliver improved amenities and facilities at Barlow Park for spectators and sportspeople alike.”

Quotes attributable to Minister for State Development and Infrastructure Grace Grace:

“The infrastructure we’re delivering for the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games will create a lasting legacy in communities right across the state.

“This includes the Far North, with our Barlow Park stadium upgrade bringing exciting opportunities for Cairns to host more international events.

The upgrade will pump $91 million into the local economy and brings the total soon out to procurement for our minor Games venues to almost $1 billion.

“We’re still eight years out from the Games and we’re already getting ready to deliver sports facilities that will be in community use well before 2032.”

Quotes attributable to Sport Minister and Member for Cairns Michael Healy:

“The multi-million-dollar Barlow Park upgrade will support Cairns to attract international sporting and entertainment events in the future.

 “This is a fantastic development that will deliver a strong legacy outcome, leveraging existing venues and providing capacity for a growing city.

 “Cairns is set to become home to talented young athletes, top sports teams, and the Olympics football preliminaries. Our ongoing investment will ensure kids in the North get every opportunity to grow and develop into world class champions.”

Quotes attributable to Cairns Mayor Amy Eden:

“We’re on the brink of something truly exciting for Cairns with the Barlow Park upgrade.

“These upgrades will also increase the number of female change rooms which helps us position the Cairns region as the leading destination for women’s sport in Australia.

“People would have noticed the huge lights going up in recent weeks which will also help shine a spotlight on our city’s credentials as a sporting hub.”

Quote attributed to Brisbane 2032 Organising Committee President, Andrew Liveris

“This is a welcomed announcement not only for the local Cairns community, but as continued legacy momentum across Queensland, accelerated by the gift of hosting the Games in 2032.

“In eight years, the eyes of the world will be on Brisbane, Queensland and Australia as together we deliver an Olympic and Paralympic Games from Cairns to Coolangatta and beyond.

“Upgrades to Barlow Park will ensure a greater sporting and spectator experience, delivered for use ahead of the Games and attracting multi-purpose use year round.

“I look forward to touring the venue and following progress in the years ahead.”

Quotes attributable to Games Venue and Legacy Delivery Authority Chief Executive Officer Emma Thomas:

“This is an exciting milestone for the Cairns community with its premier rectangular stadium to be expanded, allowing more fans to enjoy local and professional sport in a high-quality facility to the benefit of multiple sporting organisations for decades to come.

“Upgrading Barlow Park presents a great opportunity to increase sporting participation at a grassroots level while also laying the groundwork for more elite sport and entertainment opportunities for the Far North Queensland region.

“Importantly, Cairns Athletics Club will be able to remain at the ground with the athletics track retained.”