A commitment to Barlow Park upgrades, the establishment of a high-performance centre at West Barlow Park, and earmarking Cazalys Stadium as a venue for cricket, were among recommendations Council made to the State Government's 100-day review into infrastructure for the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
This 100-day review aims to assess the intricate network of critical infrastructure projects required to support the Games, ensuring projects align with long-term planning, fiscal and future legacy objectives.
As part of its submission to the review, Council made six recommendations. Submissions closed 10 January 2025.
Cairns Mayor Amy Eden said Council made six recommendations as part of its submission to the Games Independent Infrastructure and Coordination Authority, which is conducting the review.
"All six recommendations have a focus on delivering legacy benefits for Cairns and strengthening our city's vision to become a preeminent destination for women's sport," Cr Eden said.
"The Games are a fantastic opportunity to provide long lasting benefits to our city and create a legacy that will enhance the lives of residents.
"We applaud the Queensland LNP Government's focus on ensuring Games infrastructure investments deliver benefits for rural and regional Queensland.
"As a Council, we look forward to working closely with the Queensland Government to ensure those benefits are maximised in Cairns."
This included a request for previously announced Olympic legacy upgrades to Barlow Park to be expedited to further strengthen Council's vision for Cairns to become a preeminent destination for women's sport.
Barlow Park has slated to host preliminary football matches for the Games, with legacy upgrades previously announced to enhance the venue for the world stage, including:
- A new western grandstand to increase permanent seating capacity to 3,500
- Additional 1,500 retractable seats for use over the existing athletics track
- Upgraded food and beverage facilities, function and corporate facilities and enhanced accessibility
- Significant improvements to player and spectator amenities.
Importantly, it was proposed that the upgrades be completed in early 2028, thereby ensuring the benefits would be realised before, during and after the 2032 Games.
Council is also calling for support in the establishment of high-performance facilities at West Barlow Park (directly adjacent to Barlow Park), which would enhance the appeal of Cairns for visiting international teams ahead of the Olympics and deliver legacy benefits for the region.
Other recommendations included:
- Upgrades to Endeavour Park to enable the venue's utilisation as an Olympic training facility, especially for visiting football teams
- Should cricket be confirmed as an Olympic sport for the 2032 Games, Cazalys Stadium to be used as a host venue given the facility's proven track record hosting international cricket and other major events.
- Cairns to be prioritised as a host city for pre- and post-Games training camps and Paralympic Sport as part of the 2032 Games.
- Where venue upgrades to existing facilities located in Southeast Queensland require temporary relocations, these events should be hosted in centres such as Cairns as a further demonstration of infrastructure investments delivering benefits for rural and regional Queensland.
