Project case study:
BARLOW PARK LIGHTING UPGRADE
Cairns, QLD
Gimuy Walubara Yidinji Country
The Barlow Park lighting upgrade in Cairns was a $10.9 million project designed to bring the venue up to broadcast-standard lighting for major sporting events. The works included installing four new 20‑tonne steel lighting poles fitted with high-performance LED luminaires, achieving uniform illumination suitable for televised matches. A large video replay screen was also added to enhance spectator experience. Delivered through a partnership between Cairns Regional Council and the Queensland Government, the upgrade enables night fixtures and positions the venue to host elite competitions and 2032 Olympic football events.
WHY GM POLES:
GM Poles were chosen to supply poles for Barlow Park football stadium upgrade due to its strong reputation for delivering high-quality, durable steel pole solutions that are tailored to Australian conditions. Their proven experience in major infrastructure and sporting projects demonstrated reliability, engineering expertise, and compliance with stringent safety standards. Additionally, their ability to provide cost effective, locally manufactured products with efficient lead times ensured project certainty. GM Poles’ commitment to innovation, corrosion protection, and long term performance made them the most suitable and trusted partner for this upgrade.
Sector
Sports & Recreation
Field & Oval Sports
Pole Types
Tapered Polyagonal
Pole Heights
56m
Partners
Asset Owner:
Cairns Regional Council
Architect:
Cairns Regional Council
Principal Contractor:
i-LEC Solutions
Lighting Design:
Raylinc Lighting
DESIGN NARRATIVE
Challenge
Key challenges for the Barlow Park lighting upgrade largely stemmed from site conditions, performance requirements, and construction constraints:
Natural & Environmental
Cairns’ tropical climate (high humidity, heavy rainfall, and cyclonic wind conditions) required robust pole design, corrosion protection, and structural stability. Glare control and light spill needed to be managed to minimise impact on surrounding parklands and nearby residents while still achieving broadcast standards.
Solution
Design & Engineering
Achieving broadcast-quality lighting (≈1400 lux) required precise optical design, uniform light distribution, and careful pole positioning. Integration of large, heavy steel poles (~20 tonnes each) demanded complex structural and foundation design.
Construction & Installation
Installing four large poles required multiple cranes and careful sequencing within an active sporting venue. Working within limited site access and maintaining venue usability added logistical complexity.
Safety
Lifting and erecting high-mast poles posed significant safety risks, requiring strict lift planning and exclusion zones. Electrical safety and compliance for high-powered LED systems were critical. Overall, the project required balancing durability, performance, and safety in a challenging tropical environment.
Result
The verified project scope supported the delivery of upgraded stadium lighting infrastructure at Barlow Park, a venue used by Cairns Athletics, Far North Queensland Rugby League and the Northern Pride Rugby League Club. Council records state that the upgrade was intended to lift the venue from its previous lighting level to television broadcast capability and help attract elite-level events. GM Poles’ engineering, access and technical support formed a key part of that broader venue improvement outcome.
Barlow Park Images
GM Poles is proud to have supplied the lighting structures that support the Barlow Park upgrade in Cairns. These images showcase the quality, scale, and performance of our poles across the main field, enabling broadcast-level lighting for elite sporting events
