Cairns community to have their say on Barlow Park Stadium upgrades for 2032
Cairns Show-goers and the wider community can have their say on the upgrade to the popular Barlow Park Stadium, as design progresses on the redevelopment being driven by the Games Independent Infrastructure and Coordination Authority (GIICA).
The Barlow Park Stadium upgrade will deliver a new grandstand increasing seating from around 1,700 up to 5,000, improved amenities for players, spectators and officials with better access and movement around the venue, as well as accessible change rooms and facilities and new landscaped spaces.
The design will respond to Cairns' tropical climate, improving comfort, shade and airflow, while celebrating the region’s local identity and cultural heritage in close consultation with Traditional Custodians the Gimuy Walubara Yidinji people.
Working closely with Cairns Regional Council, Games partners and technical experts, Principal Architect Architectus is moving through preliminary design development, with GIICA’s community engagement playing a key role in defining the long-term legacy outcomes.
The team from GIICA will be at the Cairns Show this week to share an update on progress with visitors and seek feedback from residents to help shape the future of the stadium.
The community feedback form will include questions such as:
- What makes a great stadium experience for you as a fan, participant or visitor?
- What do you enjoy most about attending live sports or events?
- What features help you feel close to the action and part of the atmosphere?
- What should this stadium reflect about Cairns and the local area?
- How could the design better reflect local culture and identity?
The first stage of early works at Barlow Park is due to commence from mid-September 2026 as Cairns Regional Council begin essential service relocation works across the site, including power and water. These works require the temporary closure of the stadium to ensure they can be carried out safely.
Once Council-led works are complete, GIICA will begin the stage two of early works in late 2026. This will include GIICA establishing a site presence, demolition of the existing grandstand and initial site preparation.
Limited athletics and community use is expected to resume from 2027, subject to works progressing as planned. Main construction works are then expected to begin from mid-2027.
GIICA CEO Simon Crooks said it’s great to see the project reach this next milestone.
"GIICA is excited to be moving forward with our delivery program across 17 new and upgrade venues, and the Barlow Park Stadium upgrade in Cairns is a great example of how we are getting on with the job,” Mr Crooks said.
“We are in an important phase of the stadium upgrade and are excited to hear from the Cairns community on what they think are the greatest opportunities for improving facilities at Barlow Park for the 2032 Games and beyond.”
Cairns Regional Mayor Amy Eden encouraged the local community to share their feedback.
“The 2032 Games are a catalyst, but the real legacy is what Cairns inherits afterwards,” Mayor Eden said.
“Every decision we make now should deliver lasting benefits for our athletes, sporting clubs, visitors and community for decades to come.
“The best projects are shaped with the community, not just for the community. I encourage everyone to take the opportunity to have their say and help create a stadium that truly belongs to Cairns.”
Slated to host football (soccer) at the 2032 Games, Barlow Park Stadium is already home to the Northern Pride rugby league team and Cairns Athletics. The stadium has a proud history of hosting significant sporting events, including rugby league and football matches.
The upgraded stadium will continue to serve codes like the National Rugby League (NRL/NRLW), football, and rugby union, while positioning Cairns as an international tropical sports and event destination of choice to deliver benefits for the entire community.
Barlow Park Stadium will continue to be the home of Far North Queensland athletics hosting regional, state and national competitions, as well as home to Cairns Athletics.
The Barlow Park Stadium upgrades are part of the $7.1 billion Games Venues Infrastructure Program jointly funded by the Australian and Queensland Governments and will be delivered by GIICA.
View the latest Project Update for more information on the upcoming early works
To receive future project and construction updates directly to your inbox, subscribe to GIICA updates and select Barlow Park Stadium as a venue of interest.
