The North Queensland Cowboys’ plan to shift their NRLW side to Cairns has run into trouble, with stalled negotiations over state government funding putting the entire relocation in doubt.
Despite months of lobbying and a strong public push from Member for Cairns Michael Healy, the state government is yet to commit any money towards the proposed $40 million Community, Development and High Performance Centre at Barlow Park.
The club had pinned its hopes on a three-way funding model involving $15 million each from the federal and state governments, with the Cowboys pledging $10 million of their own.
While the federal Coalition has promised its share if elected, the Queensland government remains silent, raising concerns that the opportunity could slip away entirely.
Mackay waiting in the wings
In the absence of a confirmed state commitment, rival regions have reportedly expressed interest in hosting the Cowboys’ women’s program. Mackay, home to the international-standard BB Print Stadium, is seen as a viable contender. Cowboys officials declined to name specific alternatives, but a club spokesperson maintained that Cairns remains their first choice.
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“The Cowboys commitment to building a community, training and high performance centre as well as relocating our NRLW team to Cairns remains unchanged despite a number of alternative options being put to the club recently,” a spokesperson said via Cairns Post.
The move to Cairns was expected to offer more than just a home base for the Cowboys' NRLW side. The high-performance centre would also serve as a community hub, with allied health services, grassroots development opportunities, and programs to boost regional women’s sport. It has backing from key stakeholders, including Cairns Regional Council and Advance Cairns.
LNP candidate Jeremy Neal, who has championed the project, said: “Our region has always punched above its weight when it comes to sporting talent, and this facility will give local girls and women the chance to train, grow and play at the highest level – right here in their hometown.”