$11M Worth Of Upgrades Unveiled At Barlow Park

New broadcast quality lighting and a large-screen replay scoreboard have been unveiled at Barlow Park ahead of the NRL trial match between the Cowboys and Dolphins.

The $10.9 million worth of upgrades were unveiled by the Crisafulli Government earlier this week ahead of Friday’s match, which will help secure more professional televised sporting events to Cairns.

The project, which included the establishment of four new lighting poles with 92 LED lights, was co-funded with a $6.9m Cairns Regional Council contribution and $4m state investment by the former government.

The lights will allow Barlow Park to host more high-profile events in prime-time evening slots – including NRL, Super Rugby and A-League fixtures – which will bolster the region’s reputation as a sporting destination.

The new video replay screen, installed by LED big screen specialists Big Screen Video, measures 13.12m x 7.36m with its total size of 96.56 sqm set to enhance the fan experience at the Cairns venue.

Minister for Sport and Racing and Minister for the Olympic and Paralympic Games Tim Mander said the new infrastructure would have an enormous impact on the community.

“Barlow Park is the beating heart of sport in Cairns, and these upgrades ensure it remains a first-class venue that can attract top-level sporting content,” Minister Mander said. 

“The lighting upgrades will not only ensure it is an even better facility for the community to use, but that Barlow Park can host televised professional sporting content with broadcast standard lighting. 

“The experience for fans will have a flow-on effect, encouraging and inspiring greater participation in sport within the community while boosting local businesses, creating jobs, and delivering a real economic return for the region.

“The Crisafulli Government is committed to ensuring all Queenslanders have access to world-class sporting facilities and opportunities, backing communities with the infrastructure they deserve.”

The upgrades form part of the major redevelopment plans for Barlow Park – a $91 million project to ready the venue for the 2032 Olympic Games including the construction of a new two-tier grandstand.

Announced in August last year, the broader redevelopment of the venue is subject to approval in the ongoing 100-day review into Olympic Games infrastructure, of which the recommendations are due to be announced in approximately four weeks.

Barron River MP Bree James said the flow-on effects to the local economy can’t be underestimated.  

“It’s a great opportunity for our local sporting clubs to get to play on the same grounds as their sporting heroes, which can be really inspiring for young kids,” she said.

Cairns Mayor Amy Eden say the broadcast quality lighting will mean that Cairns can now host night fixtures, such as next week’s trial match between the NQ Cowboys and the Dolphins.

“This upgrade is a game-changer for sports tourism and events in Cairns, boosting the city's ability to host elite level matches, entertainment, and community events for years to come,” Mayor Eden said. 

“They are also part of a broader project to upgrade this facility ahead of the 2032 Olympic Games, where it has been earmarked to host football (soccer) preliminary group games. 

“Broadcast quality lighting means we can now host night fixtures, such as (the) trial match between the NQ Cowboys and the Dolphins.

“The big screen, which is similar to the one in Townsville and the biggest at a sporting ground in the Far North, will enhance the experience for the crowd.”