Minister for Resources and Northern Australia, Hon Matt Canavan has confirmed a $20 million Northern Australia Infrastructure Facility (NAIF) loan for the North Queensland Cowboys to build a Community, Training and High Performance Centre in Townsville.

Earlier in November the NAIF Board made an Investment Decision to support the project and provided Minister Canavan a proposal notice, triggering the 21 day consideration period, as required by legislation.

Minister Canavan today confirmed that the consideration period has expired. The Cowboys are now proceeding with NAIF to finalise the project loan documents for signature with the Queensland Government. The Queensland Government are also still to provide their agreement to the loan proceeding.

“The 8000 square metre centre will be part of the new Cowboys precinct near the Townsville CBD and will provide high performance training facilities for the Cowboys, while the Townsville Fire, Women’s National Basketball League (WNBL) team will also be able to fully access the centre. Access will be available for other clubs and touring sporting teams,” Mr Canavan said.

“The project is also expected to deliver more than 200 direct jobs during construction. Once operational the Centre will support almost 60 direct jobs.

As part of the multi-user facilities, James Cook University will host a sports science and research facility at the site boosting its diverse array of courses on offer. Medical sports consulting and rehabilitation services will also be provided at the centre while the Townsville City Council will have rights to the community field for general community purposes.

“This project is an excellent example of how the NAIF is delivering for people and communities of Northern Australia.”

Federal Member for Herbert Phillip Thompson said the facility benefits will flow through the Townsville and broader North Queensland community.

“It’s encouraging to see the process for this funding continue because I know just what a great facility it will be for Townsville. Not only is it great for our favourite NRL club, but it will benefit many other sporting groups like the Townsville Fire.

“With its combination of community areas, training spaces, sports medicine and science labs, the centre will be a long term asset to the region,” Mr Thompson concluded.