- 2025-26 Queensland Budget and revised Intergovernmental Agreement confirms 2032 Delivery Plan venues.
- Cairns' Barlow Park to benefit from major upgrades ahead of 2032.
- 2032 Delivery Plan sets the plan for a successful 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
The Australian and Queensland Governments have reached a new funding agreement that locks in critical and generational infrastructure for 2032 and beyond.
As part of that new agreement, upgrades to Barlow Park in Cairns are locked in, with locals and visitors set to benefit from generational infrastructure for decades to come.
The funding partnership, which was announced by Deputy Premier Jarrod Bleijie at Queensland Media Club on Thursday, comes a week after the Crisafulli Government passed the landmark Planning (Social Impact and Community Benefit) and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2025 which will also streamline the delivery of Games infrastructure.
It also follows the Crisafulli Government's first budget which puts Queensland back on track to deliver a successful 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games legacy following the Games Independent Infrastructure and Coordination Authority's (GIICA) 100-day review.
After 1,200 Days of Games chaos under the former Labor Government, the Crisafulli Government's 2032 Delivery Plan is delivering for regional communities like Cairns and the Far North to host Games events, driving tourism opportunities and support community grassroots sport.
As part of the 2032 Delivery Plan, Cairns is in the box seat for:
- Major upgrades to Barlow Park Stadium including a new grandstand with a permanent seating capacity of 5,000 to support Cairns attracting major event hosting opportunities like football.
- The opportunity for the Cairns Convention Centre to host events.
- The opportunity to host sports including football and cricket.
- Major upgrades to the Cairns Arterial Road between Redlynch Connector Road and the Captain Cook Highway.
- Bruce Highway upgrades as part of the joint $9 billion investment between Brisbane and Cairns.
- Leveraging the 20-year tourism plan for initiatives like Wangetti Trail.
- A share in the $250 million Games On! programs with upgrades to grassroots community clubs.
Deputy Premier and Minister for State Development, Infrastructure and Planning Jarrod Bleijie on Thursday announced the agreement reached with the Australian Government on the IGA and the commencement of procurement on four venue projects.
"This landmark agreement is the beginning of a new partnership that will kick-start the delivery of world-class infrastructure in the 2032 Delivery Plan," the Deputy Premier said.
"I thank the Australian Government and Federal Infrastructure Minister Catherine King for their commitment of $3.4 billion towards this legacy infrastructure as we continue to work together to deliver the best Olympic and Paralympic Games ever.
"I am also very pleased to announce that, building on what we have heard from industry, we are asking to hear from those keen to build these remarkable projects.
"In addition to the funding agreement and our new Games venue planning laws, we are kicking off Games venue procurement at Barlow Park in Cairns marking a major milestone for the project."
Assistant Minister for Tourism, Early Learning, Creative Industries and Far North Queensland and Member for Barron River Bree James said the Crisafulli Government was delivering for the Cairns region.
"The 2032 Delivery Plan sent the Games to Far North Queensland, and with Barlow Park Stadium out for tender, we're delivering the infrastructure to support it," Ms James said.
Member for Mulgrave Terry James said the State Budget activated the Games investment.
"The upgrades to Barlow Park will leave a legacy across our region and address the growing demand for a major multi-sport facility," Mr James said.
