Cairns’ main sporting stadium, Barlow Park, is currently being upgraded. As well as residents having an opportunity to attend national and international level competitions, such events will draw more visitors to the City. Work already completed on the stadium enabled Cairns to host a National Rugby League game with a pre season match up between the Newcastle Knights and the North Queensland Cowboys. Some 11,200 spectators turned out for this event.
An Olympic standard athletics track added to the complex last year means Cairns is now able to stage a full track and field meet.
Enhancements to the rectangular field allows for Rugby League, Rugby Union and Oztag (touch football) events. Work currently in progress will extend the seating capacity of the grandstand from 400 to 800 spectators. At a cost of $1 million, this project includes the upgrading of player change rooms, the first aid station and other public amenities beneath the grandstand.
“We are currently applying for a grant of $1.5 million for the construction of a warm up or overflow field,” said Blaine Patterson, Council’s Team Leader, Sports and Recreation. “This funding will also enable us to provide mounding on the eastern side of the complex for additional spectators. Entrance works, signage, pathways and landscaping are also planned. Council is undertaking a feasibility study that will investigate opportunities for attracting additional state and national events, and the economic spin offs these will bring.”
