THE new home of the North Queensland Cowboys has been officially christened as naming rights were announced today.
As construction of the new stadium located in Townsville's CBD nears completion, it was today announced the facility would be known as Queensland Country Bank Stadium.
Queensland Country Credit Union, which will transition from a credit union to a member-owned bank in 2020, has signed a six-year naming rights partnership with the venue.
Mundingburra MP Coralee O'Rourke said Queensland Country was the perfect partner for the new home of regional Queensland footy and more.
"Queensland Country is the perfect partner for the stadium which is set to host major events, from February," Ms O'Rourke said.
"I'm delighted that the successful naming rights partner is also a local, with their head-office in Townsville and nearly 50 years' experience supporting hardworking regional Queenslanders.
"Queensland Country Credit Union is an important business for north Queensland, their decision to come on board as naming rights sponsor reinforces the significance of this investment for the whole region.
"This flagship project has already engaged more than 480 local businesses during design and construction, supporting 750 full-time equivalent jobs. The local economy is set to benefit on game day with the stadium a stone's throw from the city centre."
Townsville MP Scott Stewart said the Queensland Country Bank Stadium had a wonderful ring to it.
"Along with the North Queensland Cowboys, Queensland Country is a household name in North Queensland; once the stadium opens it will be the name on every sports fan's lips as a must-see for 2020.
"This venue has been built by North Queenslanders, for North Queenslanders and it's fitting that a high-profile Queensland business is putting their name to the jewel in our stadium's crown.
"All of the funds generated from this 6-year partnership will go towards maintaining this glorious stadium for years to come, for locals and tourists alike."
Thuringowa MP Aaron Harper said the 800 local hospitality workers at the stadium would be wearing a Queensland Country branded uniform.
"As North Queenslanders this is a venue we're proud to call our own. Sporting codes and promoters will want to bring content to the stadium, because of the enthusiasm of North Queensland.
"The Queensland Country Bank Stadium will first and foremost be the home of the Cowboys, but the world class stadium is also bringing global events to North Queensland, just like Rocketman in February.
"The strong, collaborative relationship with Townsville community and the stadium will help provide a spark to the revival of Townsville's central business district. This is more proof of when we collaborate on great ideas, like the stadium, the community will back it.
"This is another important milestone achieved and another step towards welcoming the community to experience Queensland Country Bank Stadium for the first time in February 2020."
Queensland Country chair Bruno Cullen said the investment was part of the organisation's focus on giving back to the community and aligned well with plans to convert from a credit union to a member-owned bank in February 2020.
"Being member-owned, it's important that we're a part of the community and investing in things our Members care about, and we do this through education, grants, charity partnerships and sponsoring teams like the North Queensland Cowboys" Mr Cullen said.
"We're so excited that the opportunity to add the stadium to the list of ways we're investing in Queensland communities coincides with our change to become a member-owned bank.
"It also comes on the back of two recent mergers with ECU Australia based in Cairns, and Queenslanders Credit Union based in Brisbane. These mergers saw our assets grow by over $700M and membership grow by 25,000. The exposure we get from this commitment will certainly be state wide and cover our now state wide membership.
"We can't wait to be involved in the incredible major events, sport and community activities set to take place there," he said.
