Coalition pledges $15 million to establish cowboys NRLW team in Cairns

Brisbane, March 31 (Australia India News Newsdesk)

The Dutton Coalition Government has announced a $15 million investment to boost women’s sport and establish the North Queensland Cowboys National Rugby League Women’s (NRLW) team in Cairns. The commitment will fund the construction of a state-of-the-art Community, Development, and HighPerformance Centre at West Barlow Park, cementing Cairns as the home of the Cowboys NRLW program. The facility will provide elite training and recovery infrastructure for female athletes, integrate community health and wellness features, and create pathways for local sporting talent.

The investment has been widely praised as a major step forward for women’s sport in Far North Queensland. Shadow Treasurer Angus Taylor highlighted its economic and social benefits, stating, “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.” The project is expected to generate over 80 construction jobs and 60 fulltime ongoing jobs, injecting millions into the local economy.

Shadow Minister for Sport, Senator Anne Ruston, described the initiative as a "game-changer" for women’s rugby league and the broader sporting landscape. “This project is a major step forward for women’s sport and for equity in high-performance infrastructure in regional Australia. 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,” she said. She also emphasized its alignment with the Brisbane 2032 Olympics, reinforcing the importance of investing in sports infrastructure to build a lasting legacy.

The plan has received strong backing from local organizations, including the Cairns Regional Council, Advance Cairns, and Tourism Tropical North Queensland. It also aligns with the broader vision for the Cairns Major Events Precinct, ensuring long-term benefits for the region.

LNP Candidate for Leichhardt, Jeremy Neal, expressed his enthusiasm for the project, saying, “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.”

The North Queensland Cowboys have welcomed the announcement as a historic moment for the club and its growing women’s program.

Cowboys CEO Jeff Reibel spoke about the significance of the investment, stating, “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.

Cairns secures a pathway for local stars of the future.” Reibel also noted that the new Community, Development, and HighPerformance Centre will offer state-of-the-art facilities for the local community while providing a regional home base for the Cowboys' community programs. With this investment, Cairns is poised to become a premier hub for elite women’s sport in Northern Australia. The facility will enhance participation, attract major sporting events, and strengthen pathways for female athletes, ensuring a strong future for women’s rugby league in the region. The Coalition has positioned the initiative as part of its broader vision for regional investment, community engagement, and long-term sports development, making this a defining moment for women’s sport in Far North Queensland.