In a bold move set to reshape the sporting landscape of Far North Queensland, the Liberal National Party (LNP) has pledged a $15 million investment to bring the North Queensland Cowboys’ National Rugby League Women’s (NRLW) team to Cairns.
The announcement, made by Shadow Treasurer Angus Taylor and Shadow Minister for Sport Senator Anne Ruston, promises the construction of a world-class Community, Development and High-Performance Centre at West Barlow Park. The facility will be shared with the Northern Pride, cementing Cairns as the official home of the Cowboys NRLW team.
The centre will not only serve elite athletes but also provide community access to sport, health, and wellbeing programs, injecting millions into the local economy and creating over 80 construction jobs and more than 60 ongoing roles.
Mr. Taylor said the investment reflected the Coalition’s confidence in Cairns as one of the nation’s fastest-growing regional centres.
“Relocating the Cowboys NRLW team to Cairns will boost jobs, energise women’s sport, and create a lasting economic and social impact,” Mr. Taylor said.
“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 described the project as a "game-changer" for regional women's sport.
“It’s about inspiring the next generation of female athletes, boosting community cohesion, and building legacy infrastructure on the green and gold runway to the Brisbane 2032 Olympics,” she said.
Local support has been strong, with Cairns Regional Council, Advance Cairns, and Tourism Tropical North Queensland all backing the plan. It aligns with the Cairns Major Events Precinct development and is expected to elevate the city’s profile as a premier destination for women’s sport in Northern Australia.
Jeremy Neal, the LNP’s candidate for Leichhardt, praised the commitment as a huge win for the region.
“As a proud local and a father of three, I know just how powerful sport can be in uniting communities and building resilience,” he said.
“This facility will give local girls and women the chance to train, grow and play at the highest level – right here in their hometown.”
Cowboys CEO Jeff Reibel hailed the announcement as a historic moment in the club’s journey, particularly in its anniversary year.
“Securing a high-performance facility for our women’s team in Cairns secures a pathway for local stars of the future,” he said.
“This was the vision of our founders and to announce its continuation is an absolute privilege.”
The new centre is set to feature state-of-the-art training and recovery facilities tailored for elite female athletes, while also being accessible for community use — ensuring that the benefits of this major investment will be felt by all corners of Cairns and the surrounding region.
If elected, the Dutton-led Coalition Government has committed to turning this vision into reality, marking a pivotal step forward for gender equity in sport and regional development.
