Sport
12 January, 2025
New stadium has potential
WITH a federal election looming and a new state government wanting to kick goals in the Far North, the masterplan to redevelop Cazalys Stadium provides plenty of political grunt for Cairns.
The redevelopment, announced last month, would deliver a 20,000-seat capacity and infrastructure designed to host global concerts and elite sports as well as grassroots sports, such as AFL/AFLW and cricket.
“We are confident this redevelopment will deliver substantial economic and community benefits for Cairns and Far North Queensland by boosting tourism, creating jobs and cementing Cairns’ role as a co-host city for the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games,” AFL Cairns general manager Craig Lees said.
He said the next stage now was to submit the 100-day review for the LNP to activate potential funding.
“We are also putting pressure on the feds prior to next year’s election,” he said.
“Our goal is to commence the project in early 2027, pending approval and funding milestones.”
The work behind the stadium upgrade had spanned “the best part of several years”, driven by of COHA Group, Cox Architecture, CA Architects and Gleeds.
“Our ambition is to ensure Cazalys is front of mind for hosting Olympic and Paralympic content in 2032.”
In terms of AFL, Mr Lees said Cairns would be positioned as a contender for blockbuster fixtures, expanded AFL and inclusion in the AFLW Gather Round.
Economically, the redevelopment would create hundreds of jobs during construction and operationally, attract visitors to national and international events, boosting local business and increase sporting content such as international cricket.
Mr Lee said the stadium would continue as a community hub, combining modern sporting infrastructure with spaces for local recreation, elite athlete training, grassroots programs, and community health and fitness initiatives.
The project would be carried out in stages, Mr Lee continued, to ensure regular activities and events at the stadium continue as planned.
“We’ll carefully manage the timeline to focus construction during quieter periods, minimising disruptions to the community and users of the facility.”
