What’s Happening?
The Federal Coalition, under Opposition Leader Peter Dutton, has committed $15 million to build a dedicated Community, Development and High Performance Centre in Cairns. This major investment will support the relocation of the North Queensland Toyota Cowboys’ NRLW program to West Barlow Park, co-locating with the Northern Pride.
The world-class facility will become the central hub for elite women’s rugby league in Far North Queensland, serving both the professional team and the wider community.
Why It Matters
This announcement delivers a pivotal milestone for women’s sport in regional Australia. It directly supports equity in high-performance infrastructure and enhances the visibility and reach of elite female athletes in rugby league. The project also addresses the need for local talent development while contributing to the economic and social fabric of Cairns.
Shadow Treasurer Angus Taylor explained, “Cairns is one of Australia’s most vibrant and fast-growing regional cities, and this commitment reflects the Coalition’s confidence in its future. Relocating the Cowboys NRLW team to Cairns will boost jobs, energise women’s sport, and create a lasting economic and social impact.”
Shadow Minister for Sport Senator Anne Ruston added, “This project is a major step forward for women’s sport and for equity in high-performance infrastructure in regional Australia. It is a game-changer for women’s rugby league in Far North Queensland, but it also has far-reaching benefits – it’s about inspiring the next generation of female athletes, boosting community cohesion, and reminding Australians of the mental and physical health benefits of sport.”
Local Impact
The announcement has drawn praise from community leaders and sporting organisations, with widespread local support including Cairns Regional Council, Advance Cairns, and Tourism Tropical North Queensland.
Cowboys CEO Jeff Reibel emphasised, “This is an exciting day for the Cowboys and an exciting day for elite women athletes, and in particular, the talented and powerful women who play the greatest game of all, Rugby League.
“Cairns and Far North Queensland is home to a legion of Cowboys fans and members and with today’s announcement, it will also be home to our NRLW team.”
Jeremy Neal, LNP Candidate for Leichhardt, highlighted the impact on youth and families, saying, “This is a huge win for the people of Cairns and for the future of sport in the Far North. Our region has always punched above its weight when it comes to sporting talent, and this facility will give local girls and women the chance to train, grow and play at the highest level – right here in their hometown.
“As a proud local and a father of three, I know just how powerful sport can be in uniting communities and building resilience.”
Reibel continued, “Securing a high-performance facility for our women’s team in Cairns secures a pathway for local stars of the future. This was the vision of our founders and to announce its continuation in our Anniversary year is an absolute privilege.
“The construction of a Community, Development and High Performance Centre will provide the opportunity for the community of Cairns and Far North Queensland to access state-of-the-art community and high-performance facilities and provide a regional home base for an expanded Cowboys community team to continue the delivery of our life-changing programs.”
By the Numbers
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$15 million pledged by the Federal Coalition towards the $30 million total project cost.
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Over 80 jobs will be created during construction, along with more than 60 ongoing jobs post-completion.
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One purpose-built facility will become the home of the Cowboys NRLW and expand allied health and community programs in FNQ.
Zoom In
The facility will include top-tier training, recovery, and allied health spaces. It aims to open doors for aspiring athletes and strengthen existing grassroots rugby league pathways. The centre is designed not just for elite use, but also for community access, youth development, and health and wellbeing initiatives.
Senator Ruston remarked, “We are focused on investing in local sporting infrastructure to deliver tangible and lasting legacy outcomes for Cairns.”
Zoom Out
The project aligns with broader strategies including the Cairns Major Events Precinct plan and supports legacy infrastructure tied to the 2032 Brisbane Olympics. This move bolsters Cairns’ status as a premier destination for women’s sport and positions the city as a regional sports leader in Northern Australia.
What to Look for Next?
If elected, the Dutton Coalition Government plans to move swiftly to fund and initiate construction. Community leaders, sporting advocates, and families across Far North Queensland will closely watch progress. This facility could set a new benchmark for how regional centres embrace and elevate women’s sport.
