ABSTRACT

The North Queensland Cowboys rugby league club is seeking approval to build a leagues club in Holmview, Logan, featuring 100 gaming machines, a proposal that has drawn criticism from Logan City Mayor Jon Raven, who said the council was not consulted before the application was lodged.

ABC News Australia

North Queensland Cowboys propose Logan leagues club with 100 gaming machines

Aug 13, 2026, 3:05 AM

Context

The project is described by the club as being in its preliminary stages and forms part of a broader plan to expand the Cowboys' presence to support junior and senior rugby league across Queensland.

Raven said he learned of the 100-machine proposal only a few weeks ago when the Liquor and Gaming Office wrote to the council. He said existing hotels with gaming machines in the area have fewer than half the number of machines the Cowboys are proposing.

In its community impact statement, the club said the venue would provide local sponsorships, donations and support to sport and community totalling $1,650,000 over the first five years, starting at $100,000 in the first year of operation.

The community impact statement also noted that 59 current financial members lived in the local community area, while acknowledging there 'would most likely' be more supporters in the region. Community consultation on the proposed project closes in September.

All Perspectives

Logan City Mayor Jon Raven: Raven said the council had 'never heard from the Cowboys until they put in this pokie palace application,' adding: 'I would have thought, if you were going to try and take money out of Logan, come and talk to the community first.' He said the $1,650,000 community contribution was 'just not good enough' and described the Cowboys as 'so far out of catchment,' noting that Parramatta is geographically closer to Logan than Townsville. He said he would like to see the Liquor and Gaming Office either reduce the number of machine licences significantly or increase the community return. He also said Logan was open to having its own NRL team, suggesting 'the Logan Cowboys sounds like a pretty good name for our new team.'

Cowboys Group Chief Executive Tim Follett: Follett said south-east Queensland is home to one of the club's largest supporter communities outside North Queensland and that 'for many years we've heard from members and fans who would love a place they can call their own.' He said the Cowboys were 'committed to engaging openly and collaboratively with key stakeholders at appropriate times during the planning process' and that the club had 'reached out to the mayor's office to commence discussions.' He said any future venue would focus on community connection, local employment, community initiatives and partnerships with grassroots sporting organisations and charities, and described the opportunity as remaining 'in its early stages.'

Queensland Sport Minister Tim Mander: Mander said the Office of Liquor and Gaming Regulation Commission was looking into the issue. Asked whether the venue would be beneficial for south-east Queensland, he said he did not know the area well enough, adding: 'Let's just let the process take place and let's make sure that the public get their right to say something as well.'

Shadow Treasurer Shannon Fentiman (Waterford MP): Fentiman said she encouraged local community members to have their say on the proposal before commenting further, stating: 'This is a big decision for Logan City, and I want locals to have their say.'

Gaps & Unknowns

The source does not state the estimated total construction cost or investment value of the proposed venue.
The source does not state whether the Liquor and Gaming Office has indicated a timeline for its assessment or decision.
The source does not state the number of gaming machines currently permitted at any specific nearby hotel for direct comparison.
The source does not state how many financial Cowboys members reside in south-east Queensland overall, only that 59 live in the defined local community area.
The source does not state what employment figures the Cowboys are projecting for the proposed venue.
The source does not establish whether Logan City Council has any formal power to block or delay the application, beyond the Liquor and Gaming Office's authority.

Sources & Further Reading

ABC News Australia — original

Read the original at ABC News Australia

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