Support for sporting events

Published: 24 February 2021. (Note: information was correct at date of publication but may have since been changed or superseded.)

Council has pledged more than $160,000 to bolster sports and regional tourism events and attract thousands of visitors to the city.

At today’s meeting, Council approved $130,000 to support the staging of the annual Cairns Amateurs Carnival from 2021 to 2023.

The Amateurs program, which includes a ladies fashion high tea, welcome cocktail party, Cairns Amateurs Ball and a two-day racing carnival at Cannon Park, is estimated to provide a $1.3 million boost to the local economy.

Council also approved an extension of operating hours to allow the Cairns Amateurs Ball on the Esplanade Eastern Events Lawn to be held from 6pm to midnight. A fireworks display for this event has also been proposed between 9pm and 9.30pm.

Council also endorsed more than $30,000 to support the staging of a junior rugby league carnival from 2021 to 2023, named in honour of NRL and Queensland legend Nate Miles.

Established in 2013 by Cairns and District Junior Rugby League (CDJRL), Southern Suburbs Junior Rugby League Club Inc has organised the carnival since 2018.

Open to players under 13, the carnival is held annually in Gordonvale, where Miles first started playing rugby league.

The carnival was last held in 2018 and is anticipated to attract 30 teams, including 20 from outside the region, and is expected to deliver an economic benefit of over $270,000.

Cairns Squash received a grant valued at $6,500 to host the Queensland Junior Championships later this year.

The competition, to be held in Cairns for the first time, is expected to attract 170 participants, along with over 100 officials and spectators and have an economic benefit over $175,000.