Barlow Park upgrade given the green light, procurement to begin soon

Barlow Park in Cairns is set to be upgraded to help attract more major events in the region and ensure that Cairns will play its part in the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games. 

The Australian and Queensland Governments are jointly committing $91 million towards the project, funded through the $1.87 billion Minor Venues Program. 

Procurement activities for the project will commence soon. 

“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,” Premier Steven Miles said. 

“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 into the future,” Minister for Cities Senator Jenny McAllister said. 

The upgrade is proposed to include rebuilding the current 1,700-seat West Stand to double its capacity to about 3,500 permanent seats, with an additional 1,500 retractable seats for use over the existing athletics track. 

An upgraded Barlow Park will be able to host football preliminaries during the 2032 Games with the addition of approximately 15,000 temporary seats, increasing the venue’s total capacity to 20,000. 

“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,” Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Catherine King said. 

“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,” Senator for Queensland Nita Green said. 

Upgrades to Barlow Park also include improved visibility and amenities, with more space for food and beverage outlets and a function room and incorporating best practice sustainability and accessibility standards. 

Athletes and players will also benefit from the upgrade with better access to onsite amenities including equitable access for female players and referees thanks to an increase in the number of changing facilities. 

“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,” Minister for State Development and Infrastructure Grace Grace said. 

“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 sports in Australia,” Cairns Mayor Amy Eden said. 

This multi-million-dollar venue upgrade is expected to support 77 full-time equivalent jobs annually for the duration of the construction phase and further employment opportunities will be supported by the venue’s ongoing operations and maintenance. 

The tender process for the Managing Contractor will begin shortly, with the contract awarded by late 2024. 

Project construction is anticipated to commence in late 2025 and be completed 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 (SMEs) for the Minor Venues Program alongside a target of 10 to 15 per cent of all work hours on the project to be carried out by apprentices or trainees. 

“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,” Sport Minister for Cairns Michael Healy said. 

“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 greater sporting and spectator experience, delivered for use ahead of the Games and attracting multi-purpose use year round,” Brisbane 2032 Organising Committee President Andrew Liveris said. 

“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 opportunties for the Far North Queensland region. 

“Importantly, Cairns Athletics Club will be able to remain at the ground with the athletics track retained,” Games Venue and Legacy Delivery Authority Chief Executive Officer Emma Thomas said. 

Source: Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government; Queensland Government – Media Statements; Q2032; AUStadiums; Queensland Government – State Development and Infrastructure