Johnathan Thurston demanded it and the election delivered it.
A new stadium in Townsville is set to be built just outside the Queensland city’s CBD after Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull committed his government to providing $100 million in funding for the project.
Labor leader Bill Shorten had last week committed to providing the same amount if he was successful in next month’s Federal election.
Turnbull’s announcement came less than a week after the Queensland Government committed to provide $140 million of the funds for the $250 million project, with the NRL stumping up the remaining $10 million.
Confirmation of the funding comes eight months after Johnathan Thurston used his post-game speech after North Queensland’s NRL grand final victory to tell the world the area “deserves a new stadium”.
NRL chief executive Todd Greenberg welcomed the PM’s announcement.
“This is terrific news not just for Townsville, but for all of North Queensland,” Greenberg said.
“A new stadium will deliver 1650 jobs for the city at a time of need and it will be the cornerstone of a new entertainment precinct in the city.
“So not only will our fans benefit from a better experience in a new stadium, but the people of Northern Queensland will benefit from new jobs and an influx of cash into the local economy.”
A schedule for the construction of the stadium is yet to be announced.
It’s a big win for Cowboys chairman Laurence Lancini, who claimed in May the NRL club’s future was under serious threat unless a new stadium was built.
Their home ground, 1300SMILES Stadium – also known as the Willows Sports Complex – is a converted greyhound track that was transformed into a rugby league ground when the Cowboys entered the-then ARL competition in 1995.
Lancini said the distance of the current ground from the Townsville CBD as well as its “increasingly dilapidated” state meant it was nearing the end of its economic life.
Les Boyd's Elbow
Guest
25,000 apparently, with room for a couple thousand more.
up in the north
Roar Rookie
For what it's worth, I'm not totally comfortable that $200 odd million is being used for a stadium. I can see the benefits but I can also see a real need in other areas.
Mongo
Guest
I object to fed Govt money being spent on any marginal seat where the cost-benefit analysis is not there. yeah so if the federal Govt spent $100m for each soccer, AFL and RU franchise would you be happy with that? I hope they are willing tp pay extra for the seats...
Wascally Wabbit
Guest
Any idea of the capacity?
Kingcowboy
Guest
Hey Mongo, I am guessing you are not a Rugby League supporter, either a Soccer, AFL or Rugby fan? Not having a go you but the vast majority of Cowboys fans want this stadium built and soon.
Mongo
Guest
I threw the GBR as one example of money better spent (in the eyes of the electorate as a whole). The State Government has run a Cost benefit analysis of the stadium project and it show its not cost effective compared to building infrastructure that will support ongoing businesses and improve productivity. Just because a project employs people in the short-term doesn't mean its cost effective - in fact the upkeep and capital and interest costs of the stadium means it will never break even and in fact are solidly negative for 30 years. RL fans don't travel much and the Cowboys have been in for 20 years? so the number of southern travellers that the games will attract don't make it viable. Better to upgrade local highways and the Port for long term benefits. BTW I don't think the GBR is in all that much trouble but if you read southern media you would think its the end of the world.
planko
Guest
They need to give all the QLD Nickel workers something to do. I do think that it is a lot of money but good on them.
up in the north
Roar Rookie
Ever heard of cyclones mongo. They do more damage than anything. You really should leave cheap political point scoring out of a sport forum.
Birdy
Guest
Hopefully the jobs created by this stadium will go to locals including the indigenous population and keep the 457 workers out.
Cathar Treize
Guest
The stadium will not only provide jobs in construction but also tourism & hospitality. With the Cowboys also being a large employer of Indigenous Australians, and rugby league in general, this stadium will help continue that trend inspiring our indigenous youth, sadly lacking in so many other sectors of our society.
jamesb
Guest
Mongo, the Coalition have promised $1 billion to help repair the Great Barrier Reef. http://m.smh.com.au/federal-politics/federal-election-2016/election-2016-coalitions-1-billion-funding-promise-for-great-barrier-reef-20160612-gphd86.html With a stadium move to the CBD, it will help surrounding businesses. Plus of course, more jobs will.be created to construct the stadium itself.
JoelRigiby
Guest
The only people who think the GBR is in danger are extreme left wing greenies looking for $$billions$$ in Government handouts funding .... oh' yea, gullible southern city people & the media looking for trashy magazine hyped news stories. The reef is a carbon sink, means it likes carbon, the more carbon in the atmosphere the better for reef systems world wide.
Kingcowboy
Guest
Are you even from the area Mongo because you have no idea what you are talking about. The rest of Australia has benefited previously from the mining boom and alot of the workers are now FIFO, so our local local economies are really struggling. The new stadium will also provide added bonuses to CBD businesses in the way of increased turnover and that leads to more jobs.
JoelRigiby
Guest
GBR needs protecting? lol, you been eating too many greenies ...
Mongo
Guest
What a complete waste. The Barrier Reef needs protecting and now they are going to spend $100m on a stadium that will be used 15 times a year. Expect the rent to go up steeply and admission fees to do likewise. Federal Govt spending money on local stadiums- both sides have really lost it
Birdy
Guest
I lived in Townsville for about 4 years . The Cowboys put it on the map . The whole of North Queensland sporting public deserves this stadium , not to mention the NQ workers with Yabulu closing and the mining industry being hit for a 6. Way to go Cowboys!
Kingcowboy
Guest
Awesome news. JT to get the statute outside the stadium. As a one time event in the first year. the NRL should give T'Ville a Origin game. I know they might take a financial hit but it would be great as a one off.