An elected Dutton Coalition Government will invest $15 million to boost women’s sport and bring the

North Queensland Cowboys National Rugby League Women’s (NRLW) team to Cairns.

The Coalition will support the construction of a dedicated Community, Development and High

Performance Centre in the heart of the city to inspire future generations of female athletes.

This landmark commitment will cement Cairns as the home of the Cowboys NRLW program, co-located

with the Northern Pride at West Barlow Park, and create a new focal point for elite women’s sport in Far

North Queensland.

The facility will provide high-performance infrastructure for female athletes, integrate allied health and

community access features, and expand pathways for local talent – all while injecting millions into the

local economy and creating jobs during construction and operation.

The plan has strong local support, including from Cairns Regional Council, Advance Cairns and Tourism

Tropical North Queensland. It is also aligned with long-term planning for the Cairns Major Events

Precinct and complements the broader sporting legacy of the Brisbane 2032 Olympic Games.

The $15 million capital investment will:

● Deliver a world-class training and recovery facility tailored for the Cowboys NRLW team

● Support the relocation of the Cowboys NRLW program to Cairns

● Strengthen community access to health, sport and wellbeing programs

● Create over 80 construction jobs and over 60 ongoing jobs (full-time equivalent)

● Position Cairns as the premier destination for women’s sport in Northern Australia

Quotes Attributable to Shadow Treasurer Angus Taylor:

“Cairns is one of Australia’s most vibrant and fast-growing regional cities, and this commitment reflects

the Coalition’s confidence in its future. Relocating the Cowboys NRLW team to Cairns will boost jobs,

energise women’s sport, and create a lasting economic and social impact.

“This is the kind of forward-thinking regional investment we need more of – and only a Coalition

Government through prudent economic management will deliver it.”

Quotes Attributable to Shadow Minister for Sport, Senator Anne Ruston:

“This project is a major step forward for women’s sport and for equity in high performance infrastructure

in regional Australia.

“It is a game-changer for women’s rugby league in Far North Queensland, but it also has far-reaching

benefits - It’s about inspiring the next generation of female athletes, boosting community cohesion, and

reminding Australians of the mental and physical health benefits of sport.

“Investing in women's sport is essential, especially as we build legacy infrastructure on the green and gold

runway to the 2032 Brisbane Olympics.

“We are focused on investing in local sporting infrastructure to deliver tangible and lasting legacy

outcomes for Cairns.

Quotes Attributable to Jeremy Neal, LNP Candidate for Leichhardt:

“This is a huge win for the people of Cairns and for the future of sport in the Far North. 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.

“As a proud local and a father of three, I know just how powerful sport can be in uniting communities and

building resilience. I’m absolutely thrilled that a Dutton Coalition Government will back this gamechanging project and deliver the investment we need.”

Quotes Attributable to Jeff Reibel, Chief Executive Officer, North Queensland Toyota Cowboys:

“This is an exciting day for the Cowboys and an exciting day for elite women athletes, and in particular,

the talented and powerful women who play the greatest game of all, National Rugby League.

“Cairns and the Far North Queensland region is home to a legion of Cowboys fans and members and with

today’s announcement, it will also be home to our NRLW team.

“Securing a high-performance facility for our women’s team in Cairns secures a pathway for local stars of

the future. This was the vision of our founders and to announce its continuation in our Anniversary year

is an absolute privilege.

“The construction of a Community, Development and High Performance Centre will provide the

opportunity for the community of Cairns and Far North Queensland to access state-of-the-art meeting

and sporting facilities and provide a regional home base for an expanded Cowboys community team to

continue the delivery of our life-changing programs.”

ENDS