Cairns Stadium in Line for $91m Olympics Makeover

Barlow Park, Cairn’s premier sporting venue, will undergo a $91-million rebuild as part of preparations for the 2032 Brisbane Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Funding from the Federal and Queensland Governments through the $1.87-billion Minor Venues Program has been approved for the stadium. 

Under the plan, the current 1700-seat West Stand will be rebuilt to create 3500 permanent seats and 1500 retractable seats that can sit over the current athletics track.

Retention of the athletics track meant the Cairns Athletics Club would be able to remain at the stadium, providing opportunities for the training of future athletes, the Queensland Government said. 

The venue will also be able to host preliminary football matches for the Games with those temporary seats.

New space for food and beverage outlets, a new function room and better accessibility are also part of the plans. 

There will be better access to onsite amenities for athletes, including equitable access for female athletes and referees with additional changing rooms.

An average of 77 full-time equivalent jobs will be created for each year of construction with a tender process for the managing contractor to begin soon.

The managing contractor is expected to be appointed this year and works are scheduled to begin in late 2025 ahead of completion in 2028. 

Small and medium-sized enterprises in Queensland will be able to provide goods and services for 30 per cent of the Minor Venues Program projects with 10 to 15 per cent of all hours on the projects to be delivered by apprentices or trainees.

Federal infrastructure minister Catherine King said more than $850 million in procurement for seven Games venue projects had now been announced as the state works towards the event.

Queensland premier Steven Miles said that the venues would also provide opportunities to host other events beyond the Games.

“While it will provide a fantastic venue for the Games in 2032, these upgrades are a game-changer for the region,” Miles said.

“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.”

A flurry of development activity has descended upon parts of Queensland in a bid to get the state ready for the 2032 Games.