Sport
22 June, 2025
It’s game on for Brothers
THE $6 million stage two redevelopment of Cairns Brothers Leagues Club’s Stan Williams Park at Manunda is going ahead following the completion of the first $12m first stage.
As the finishing touches were made to the first stage this week, the LNP government confirmed an election promise to proceed with the second part of the transformation project.
The first stage – fully paid by the club – involved demolition of the old single storey grandstand and clubhouse to be replaced with a two-level structure with four changing rooms (doubling capacity), indoor and outdoor seating of about 600 seats, conference and meeting rooms, a gym, rooms for referees and first-aid as well as a bar and kitchen. Upstairs would also be a bar and kitchen and more viewing areas.
The second part involves more terraced seating areas around the field, new lights, an electronic scoreboard, change rooms for juniors, new dug-outs, new perimeter fencing and more gym equipment and, if the budget allows, solar panels on the roof.
Club chairman Stephen Widt said the second stage was ready to go, after the contract with the government was finalised, a tender process and approvals.
He said the aim was to have it finished by June next year.
Mr Widt said the first stage went over time by about six weeks because of two bad wet seasons but was on budget.
He said the government’s commitment was “fantastic for the club and also for the community”.
He said it would enable the club to offer its facilities beyond just rugby league, including soccer, disabled sports, schools, Cape York peninsula carnivals, netball and other codes.
Mr Widt said the ground would be hosting soccer grand finals with the ability to swap out the goal posts for soccer nets.
Head of football Tim Rumford said the facilities were not just for rugby league and would be available year-round on a daily basis.
Member for Barron River Bree James said she was “proud to deliver this fantastic facility for Cairns”.
“This is about ensuring our clubs thrive now and well beyond the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games,” she said.
“This investment supports our goal of making the biggest commitment to community port in Queensland’s history – giving more people the opportunity to get active, be involved and feel connected.”
Ms James said it was likely Northern Pride would use the upgraded ground and clubhouse while Barlow Park was refurbished for the Olympics.
