Queensland’s Northern Cities Push for Olympic Infrastructure Legacy

Introduction: Regional Ambitions Take Center Stage

As the countdown to the Brisbane 2032 Olympics gains momentum, Queensland’s northern cities, Townsville and Cairns, are making their case for a share of the spotlight—and the infrastructure investment that comes with it. While the bulk of the attention has naturally focused on Brisbane, the host city, these regional hubs are advocating for their own Olympic legacies. The Games Independent Infrastructure and Coordination Authority (GIICA) recently concluded its 100-day review of Olympic infrastructure and governance, offering a platform for Townsville and Cairns to pitch their visions for new and upgraded sports venues. Both cities aim to capitalize on the Games to transform their facilities, create lasting community benefits, and position themselves as premier destinations for sports and entertainment in regional Queensland.

Cairns’ Cricket Pitch: Upgrading Cazalys Stadium for Olympic Glory

Cairns has thrown its hat into the ring with a compelling proposal to upgrade Cazalys Stadium, a historic outdoor sporting venue located 3.5 kilometers west of the city’s iconic waterfront. The stadium, home to AFL Cairns and a frequent host of high-profile cricket matches, is a proven asset for international events. However, it was initially overlooked for Olympic events, with nearby Barlow Park selected to host Olympic football matches instead. That all changed when cricket’s inclusion in the 2032 Games became a possibility. Cricket is set to return to the Olympics at Los Angeles 2028, ending a 128-year absence, and Cairns sees an opportunity to leverage its existing expertise in the sport.

In its submission to GIICA, the Cairns Regional Council argued that Cazalys Stadium should be utilized as a host venue for cricket if the sport is confirmed for Brisbane 2032. The council emphasized the stadium’s proven track record in hosting international cricket and its potential to deliver legacy benefits for regional Queensland. AFL Cairns has already developed a master plan for the stadium’s redevelopment, envisioning a modern 20,000-seat oval stadium designed by Cox Architects. General manager Craig Lees described the project as a "lasting legacy" for Cairns, one that would decentralize elite sports and entertainment events across Queensland while providing a world-class facility for the local community.

The push for Cazalys Stadium is just one of six recommendations Cairns made to GIICA. Other proposals include upgrading Barlow Park, developing high-performance facilities at West Barlow Park, transforming Endeavour Park into an Olympic training facility, and positioning Cairns as a host city for pre- and post-Games training camps. Mayor Amy Eden underscored the city’s vision to become a leading destination for women’s sport, highlighting the Games as a chance to create long-lasting benefits for residents and strengthen Cairns’ reputation.

Townsville’s Big Dream: A $360 Million Entertainment Arena

Meanwhile, Townsville is pursuing an ambitious project of its own: a brand-new, state-of-the-art entertainment arena estimated to cost $360 million. The proposed venue would replace the aging Townsville Entertainment Centre, which has served the city since 1993 but is now deemed "past its end of life." Townsville City Council argues that the new arena is essential to meet the growing needs of the region, capable of hosting a variety of sports and events.

The proposed arena would be constructed at Dean Street, near the Queensland Country Bank Stadium, home of the North Queensland Cowboys rugby league team. According to the council, the facility would be a "flexible, multi-use, modular, and high-tech" venue designed to elevate Townsville’s reputation as a major sports and entertainment hub in North Queensland. Suzy Batkovic, chair of Townsville’s 2032 legacy working group and a former Olympic basketballer, stressed the importance of securing a "fair share" of Brisbane 2032 funding for the region. "If you can see it, you can be it," Batkovic said, highlighting the arena’s potential to inspire young athletes and bring major events to the area.

The arena is one of four priority projects identified by Townsville City Council. Others include revitalizing the Murray Sporting Complex, upgrading Riverway Stadium, and developing a new aquatic precinct on The Strand. The aquatic precinct, championed by Townsville Sailing Club ambassador John Byrne, aims to create a combined sports hub for aquatic activities, envisioning a vibrant space where families can gather, children can play, and athletes can train. While the arena is the most expensive project at $360 million, the remaining initiatives would require an additional $55 million in funding.

The Funding Debate: Balancing Regional and Metropolitan Needs

As Townsville and Cairns push for their respective projects, funding has emerged as a critical issue. The Queensland and Commonwealth governments have already committed $91 million to upgrade Barlow Park in Cairns, including a new 3500-capacity western grandstand with 1500 retractable seats. However, some stakeholders, including Football Australia and Football Queensland, have argued that the funds could be better spent on upgrading Perry Park in Brisbane. Cainrs, however, is resisting any suggestion to abandon the Barlow Park project.

Cairns Regional Council has warned that delaying the upgrade could create construction conflicts ahead of the Games, potentially leading to cost blowouts and reduced value for money. The council also highlighted the importance of completing the project by 2028 to avoid disruptions to other Olympic infrastructure initiatives. Sports Minister Tim Mander recently announced $10.9 million in upgrades for Barlow Park, including broadcast-quality lighting and a new scoreboard, which he said would enhance the fan experience and boost participation in sports. The improvements were already underway when the state government claimed credit for them during the election campaign.

Two Sides of the Coin: Regional Aspirations vs. Metropolitan Priorities

The debate over infrastructure funding reflects a broader tension between regional and metropolitan needs. While Brisbane is naturally the focal point of the 2032 Games, regional cities like Townsville and Cairns see this as a once-in-a-generation opportunity to secure investment that will benefit their communities for decades to come. Their arguments are rooted in the principle of fairness and the desire to decentralize the economic and social benefits of the Games.

For Townsville, the new entertainment arena represents more than just a sports facility—it’s a chance to establish the city as a cultural and entertainment destination. Similarly, for Cairns, the Cazalys Stadium upgrade is about proving that regional Queensland can host world-class events and inspire the next generation of athletes. These projects are not just about the Olympics; they’re about creating vibrant, sustainable communities that thrive long after the closing ceremony.

Conclusion: A Legacy of Regional Growth and Sporting Excellence

As the Brisbane 2032 Olympics take shape, the campaigns by Townsville and Cairns remind us that the Games are not just about the host city but about the entire state. The push for new and upgraded infrastructure in regional Queensland is driven by a shared vision of legacy—legacy that goes beyond the 16 days of competition to leave a lasting impact on communities.

If successful, these initiatives will not only enhance the Olympic experience but also unlock new opportunities for sports, culture, and economic growth in regional Queensland. As Suzy Batkovic so eloquently put it, "If you can see it, you can be it." For Townsville and Cairns, the hope is that the 2032 Games will bring their communities more than just new stadiums—they will bring a future filled with possibility, inspiration, and pride.