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A $91 million upgrade of Cairns’ Barlow Park is set to support the region to attract more major events and ensure that the city is able to be part of the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

The Federal and Queensland Governments have jointly allocated funding from the $1.87 billion Minor Venues Program for the upgrade - with procurement for the project will commence shortly.

The upgrade will see the current 1,700-seat West Stand rebuilt and its capacity more than doubled to 3,500 permanent seats, with an additional 1,500 retractable seats for use over the existing athletics track.

During the 2032 Games, the venue will be able to host football preliminaries with the addition of around 15,000 temporary seats bringing total capacity to 20,000.

Welcoming the funding, Cairns Mayor, Amy Eden stated “we’re on the brink of something truly exciting for Cairns with the Barlow Park upgrade.

“These upgrades will also increase the number of female change rooms which helps us position the Cairns region as the leading destination for women’s sport in Australia.

“People would have noticed the huge lights going up in recent weeks which will also help shine a spotlight on our city’s credentials as a sporting hub.”

The Queensland Government has announced that a tender process for the Managing Contractor will commence shortly. Appointment of the successful Managing Contractor is expected in late 2024, allowing works to begin in late 2025 and finish in 2028.

Queensland Premier, Steven Miles noted that Barlow Park “will provide a fantastic venue for the Games in 2032 (with) these upgrades a game-changer for the region.”

The Federal and Queensland Governments have committed to sourcing at least 30% of procurement from Queensland small and medium-sized enterprises for the Minor Venues Program, as well as targets for 10-15% of all the hours on the projects to be undertaken by apprentices or trainees – helping to deliver the pipeline of construction workers the growing state needs.

Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government, Catherine King went on to advise “over $850 million in procurement for seven Games venue projects has now been announced. With eight years to go until the Games, that represents significant progress.”

Images show concepts for Barlow Park’s new grandstand.

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