The Queensland Country Bank Stadium, home to the North Queensland Cowboys and a venue for global superstars like P!nk, continues to solidify its position as a premier destination for international events.
This week, the stadium added another feather to its cap as the first venue to launch The Killers upcoming Australian tour. In just the last two years, the stadium has generated over $200 million in economic benefits for the city. However, this achievement represents the culmination of a seven-year advocacy journey for North Queensland.
At the heart of this success was Townsville Enterprise, which led a community-driven campaign to secure the $318 million stadium.
Townsville Enterprise Chairman Kevin Gill reflected on the project’s profound impact.
"It was the mid-2010s, and our economy was struggling. Unemployment was at record highs, and development across the city had stalled. At the time, the aging stadium in the suburbs was no longer fit for purpose," Gill recalled.
"Townsville Enterprise, alongside the North Queensland Cowboys and Townsville City Council, identified a once-in-a-generation opportunity to build a catalytic project that would drive investment, enhance liveability, and provide a new home for the Cowboys."
He emphasised that the success of such advocacy was rooted in collaboration.
"While Townsville Enterprise spearheaded the campaign, we couldn’t have done it without the support of our ambassadors, including Johnathan Thurston, The Townsville Bulletin, and country music star Adam Brand. Their contributions helped rally the community and bring the project to life."
The advocacy effort spanned multiple stages—from concept design and feasibility studies to community consultations, delegations to Brisbane and Canberra, and persistent budget submissions.
"We saw tremendous backing from our media partners, and the local community became a vocal force advocating for this project," said Gill.
“The stadium has indeed lived up to its promise of being more than just a stadium. We’ve seen investments in hotels like Ardo, new community infrastructure, and a boost in retail and hospitality. The stadium has been a catalyst for securing world-class events, large and small, that have transformed the city."
"Our kids and grandkids have had the chance to cheer for the Matildas and the Wallabies and sing along to P!nk—all here in Townsville. That’s a level of liveability and community pride that’s unmatched."
NRL Legend Johnathan Thurston, who played a pivotal role in the stadium campaign, highlighted the deep connection between the Cowboys and the community.
"The Cowboys have always been integral to North Queensland. When Townsville Enterprise asked me to support the campaign, it was a no-brainer," Thurston said.
"I said it back in 2015 when we won the premiership, and it’s still true today—North Queensland deserved this stadium. Without the leadership and collaboration of Townsville Enterprise, who knows where the Cowboys would be now."
"Today, the team plays in a world-class facility in front of 25,000 passionate fans, with a state-of-the-art high-performance centre. Townsville is now firmly established as the sporting hub of Northern Australia."
Townsville Enterprise CEO Claudia Brumme-Smith reflected on the legacy of the stadium and the broader efforts of the organisation.
"The Queensland Country Bank Stadium holds a special place in the heart of this community and Townsville Enterprise. It was a visionary idea that came to life through true collaboration and the determination of North Queensland," said Ms Brumme-Smith
"This stadium is one of nearly 50 major projects that Townsville Enterprise has successfully advocated for over the past three decades. As we celebrate our 33rd anniversary, we look back proudly on the more than $70 billion in economic activity generated for our region. We are deeply thankful for the unwavering support of our partners, members, all levels of government, and the community as we continue working together to secure the future of Townsville North Queensland."
