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 $1.87Â 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.
“We’re on the brink of something truly exciting for Cairns with the Barlow Park upgrade,” said Cairns Mayor, Amy Eden.
“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.”
The Queensland Government has announced that a 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.
“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,” said Queensland Premier, Steven Miles.
“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.”
The Australian and Queensland governments have committed to sourcing at least 30% of procurement from Queensland small and medium-sized enterprises for the Minor Venues Program, as well as targets for 10-15% 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.
“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,” said Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government, Catherine King.
