Football Queensland (FQ) welcomes the $4.1 million funding commitment from the Liberal National Party and Candidate for Leichhardt, Jeremy Neal, to deliver major infrastructure upgrades at Endeavour Football Park in Cairns, should the LNP be elected in May.
The pledge matches a similar commitment made by the Australian Labor Party’s Candidate for Leichhardt Matt Smith, securing bipartisan support for one of the Far North’s most vital football facilities and a key hub for participation, performance, and community connection.
The funding commitment will deliver a comprehensive package of works to upgrade field lighting, build a new Centre of Excellence, and construct a modernised canteen and change rooms, enhancing the experience for thousands of players, coaches, referees, volunteers and supporters who rely on Endeavour Park every week.
“This $4.1 million commitment marks a significant step forward in the progression of football in Cairns, and we acknowledge Mr Neal for recognising the essential infrastructure needs of our game, as well as the central role Endeavour Park plays in the Far North’s sporting landscape,” Football Queensland CEO Robert Cavallucci said.
“This investment will deliver meaningful impact across all levels of the game, strengthening pathways from grassroots to our FQ Academy high-performance programs and ensuring Endeavour Park continues to serve as a cornerstone of football development for years to come.
“Bipartisan support for football infrastructure of this scale shows how our game is not only Queensland’s biggest sport, but also a key part of our communities, with growing recognition of its importance in both state and national conversations.
“Football Queensland has worked closely with all levels of government to highlight the real needs of our game, and the support from both parties for Cairns is a strong example of what can be achieved through genuine collaboration as we continue advocating for sustainable growth across Queensland before and beyond the federal election.”
Football Queensland General Manager – Northern Conference Craig Ramage said the commitments mark a turning point for the region.
“We’re grateful to Mr. Neal and the LNP for recognising the need to invest in facilities that serve such a diverse community, with these upgrades marking a significant step forward for the Far North and leaving a lasting impact on the thousands of participants and their families who use the facility every week,” FQ General Manager – Northern Conference, Craig Ramage said.
“Endeavour Park is a central hub, hosting everything from school sporting events and inclusive football programs to Far North FQPL fixtures and finals. It also serves as a key ground for the region’s elite youth talent development through our FQ Academy. This funding will significantly elevate our capacity to deliver even more outstanding opportunities for players, families, and the broader Far North community.”
Football Queensland’s Federal Election #EQUALISER campaign continues to champion the need for football infrastructure investment and welcomes commitments from candidates in electorates across the state. As the game continues to grow, FQ remains focused on advocating for the facilities needed to meet rising demand and support the football pathway.
The matched commitments for Endeavour Park are a powerful demonstration of what strong advocacy and bipartisan support can deliver, as Football Queensland continues driving generational change for football communities across the state.
