QUEENSLAND COUNTRY BANK STADIUM

JANUARY J 2010

As part of Australia’s 2022 FIFA World Cup bid, a total redevelopment of Willows Sports Complex is proposed. From a 26,500 current capacity, the Willows-based sporting venue would have exploded to 40,000, with 30,000 to be seated, while 10,000 fans would still be able to use the stadium’s iconic grassed areas at either end of the ground.

AUGUST 2011

The Bligh government releases a concept designed for the new inner-city $185m stadium in South Townsville.

2012

The Bligh government, which had declared Townsville the capital of North Queensland and introduced the Townsville Future Plan, which included the stadium, is ousted from office. The new Liberal-national government does not adopt a Townsville Futures Plan.

DECEMBER 2014

Then Queensland opposition leader Annastacia Palaszczuk promises to provide $100m in funding for the new stadium if Labor wins the election.

JANUARY 2015

Then premier Campbell Newman announces

$150m in funding for the same project.

APRIL 2015

Townsville City Council purchases the 17.28ha site in South Townsville.

OCTOBER 2015

The North Queensland Cowboys win their first premiership thanks to a lucky kick, now immortalised in bronze at the completed stadium, from captain Johnathan Thurston. While then prime minister Malcolm Turnbull is on the stage, JT says that the Cowboys deserve a new stadium.

NOVEMBER 2015

Bill Shorten and the federal Labor Party promise $100m towards the project if they win the election.

DECEMBER 2015

State government plans reveal a standalone stadium could limit the precinct’s social and economic benefits. Chamber of Commerce president Troy Popham says this would mean the city would limit the precinct’s use to football games and concerts.

JUNE 2016

Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk commits an extra $40m to the project. Days later, Malcolm Turnbull matches the federal Labor Party’s pledge of $100m.

DECEMBER 2016

The Townsville City Deal is signed, which includes the North Queensland Stadium joint project between the state and federal governments, and Townsville City Council, supported by both the NRL and the Cowboys. The design for the new stadium is unveiled. MAY 2017

Watpac is named the managing contractor for the stadium build.

AUGUST 2017

Premier Palaszczuk, Assistant Minister for Cities and Digital Transformation, Angus Taylor, Townsville Mayor Jenny Hill, NRL chairman John Grant and North Queensland Cowboys chair