Lighting upgrade paves the way for major sporting events

A multi-million dollar lighting upgrade to ensure Barlow Park meets television broadcast-quality standards has been completed.

A collaborative effort between Council and the State Government, the lighting upgrade is part of a broader plan to have Barlow Park ready to host preliminary football matches for the 2032 Brisbane Games.

The $10.9 million lighting and audiovisual upgrade has been completed in time for the NRL pre-season trial between the North Queensland Cowboys and the Dolphins on Friday 14 February.

Cairns Mayor Amy Eden was joined by Minister for Sport and Racing and Minister for the Olympic and Paralympic Games Hon Tim Mander today to officially announce the completion of the lighting project.

The upgrade included the installation of four new lighting poles, each weighing about 20 tonnes and requiring three cranes to be lifted in place, with 92 LED lights fitted to each pole to provide a uniform 1400 lux level.

A new 13m x 7.4m video screen has been installed as part of the project to allow for scoring and replays.

Council provided $6.9 million for the upgrades, with $4 million from the State Government through a Department of Tourism and Sport’s Priority Infrastructure Grant.

“This upgrade is a game-changer for sports tourism and events in Cairns, boosting the city's ability to host elite level matches, entertainment, and community events for years to come.

They are also part of a broader project to upgrade this facility ahead of the 2032 Olympic Games, where it has been earmarked to host football (soccer) preliminary group games.

Broadcast quality lighting means we can now host night fixtures, such as next week’s trail match between the NQ Cowboys and the Dolphins.

The big screen, which similar to the one in Townsville and the biggest at a sporting ground in the Far North, will enhance the experience for the crowd.

We’re on the brink of something truly exciting with the Barlow Park upgrades and it helps position the Cairns region as the leading destination for women’s sport in Australia.”

“Barlow Park is the beating heart of sport in Cairns, and these upgrades ensure it remains a first-class venue that can attract top-level sporting content.

“The lighting upgrades will not only ensure it is an even better facility for the community to use, but it also means Barlow Park can host televised professional sporting content with broadcast standard lighting.

“We will be able to bring more NRL, Super Rugby, and A-League fixtures to Cairns.

“That experience will have a flow-on effect, encouraging and inspiring greater participation in sport within the community.

“The Crisafulli Government is committed to ensuring all Queenslanders have access to world-class sporting facilities and opportunities, backing communities with the infrastructure they deserve.”