An elected Dutton Federal LNP Coalition Government will deliver a $15 million investment to support the construction of a dedicated Community, Development and High Performance Centre in the heart of Cairns.
This landmark commitment will cement Cairns as the home of the North Queensland Toyota Cowboys NRLW program, co-located with the Northern Pride at West Barlow Park, and create a new focal point for elite women's sport in Far North Queensland.
Cowboys Chief Executive Officer Jeff Reibel declared, “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.
“On behalf of the club, I would like to thank Shadow Treasurer Angus Taylor, Shadow Minister for Sport Senator Anne Ruston and LNP Candidate for Leichardt Jeremy Neal for their funding pledge which signifies a momentous investment into our region.
“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.
“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.”
The $15 million capital investment will:
● Provide a major contribution towards delivering a $30M world-class training and recovery facility tailored for the Cowboys NRLW team
● Support the relocation of the Cowboys NRLW program to Cairns
● Strengthen community access to health, sport and wellbeing programs
● Create over 80 construction jobs and over 60 ongoing jobs (full-time equivalent)
● Position Cairns as the premier destination for women’s sport in Northern Australia
The facility will provide high-performance infrastructure for female athletes, integrate allied health and community access features, and expand pathways for local talent – all while injecting millions into the local economy and creating jobs during construction and operation.
The plan has strong local support, including from Cairns Regional Council, Advance Cairns and Tourism Tropical North Queensland. It is also aligned with long-term planning for the Cairns Major Events Precinct and complements the broader sporting legacy of the Brisbane 2032 Olympic Games.
Shadow Treasurer Angus Taylor stated, “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.
“This is the kind of forward-thinking regional investment we need more of – and only a Coalition Government through prudent economic management will deliver it.”
Shadow Minister for Sport, Senator Anne Ruston remarked, “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.
“Investing in women's sport is essential, especially as we build legacy infrastructure on the green and gold runway to the 2032 Brisbane Olympics.
“We are focused on investing in local sporting infrastructure to deliver tangible and lasting legacy outcomes for Cairns.”
Jeremy Neal, LNP Candidate for Leichardt commented, “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. I’m absolutely thrilled that a Dutton Coalition Government will back this game-changing project and deliver the investment we need.”
