Sport
10 November, 2025
City inks Cowboys deal
CAIRNS is a step closer to becoming a home for elite women’s sport, with the potential relocation of the North Queensland Cowboys NRLW team to the city.
Cairns Regional Council has approved a landmark partnership with the Cowboys for a new community development and high-performance centre at West Barlow Park.
The project includes a proposed long-term lease to the Cowboys, paving the way for a world-class training and community facility, the first of its kind in the region.
Mayor Amy Eden described the decision as “a game changer” for the city.
“This decision is a game-changer. It moves Cairns closer to becoming Australia’s preeminent destination for women’s sport, not just as spectators but as hosts and champions of elite opportunity,” she said.
“It’s about more than a facility. It’s about creating pathways, pride and possibility for young women and girls right across our region. This is history in motion and it’s happening here in Cairns.”
The facility is expected to deliver a $34.7 million construction boost and create 89 full-time jobs. Ongoing operations are forecast to inject $12.6 million annually into the local economy, supporting around 62 ongoing positions. Existing public sporting fields at the site will remain open for community and club use.
The proposed centre will include a high-performance gym and recovery/rehabilitation zone, medical and physiotherapy suites, NRLW and Northern Pride locker rooms, education and community spaces including a lecture theatre and multimedia studio, a café and function room and a skills and drills field linked to West Barlow Park.
North Queensland Cowboys chairman Lewis Ramsay said the project was an opportunity to expand the club’s footprint in Far North Queensland and strengthen ties with the Cairns community.
“Our NRLW team and associated staff will bring approximately 60 residents, as well as 30 players and officials, for every home fixture on top of spectators spending money in the local economy. We look forward to continuing to work with council to progress this exciting opportunity,” he said.
Council and the Cowboys will continue to explore future stages of the precinct, including additional facilities.
