Rockhampton cements status as CQ's sporting visitation capital
Published on 09 September 2025
Rockhampton has cemented itself as the sporting visitation capital of central Queensland, with new data revealing the significant economic and community benefits recent sporting events deliver in the region.
The data - released by Rockhampton Regional Council - shows that the 2025 Queensland Touch Junior State Cup, which is held in Rockhampton every second year, has delivered outstanding results with a significant $8.9 million boost to the region.
The data found that over 14,000 people attended the 2025 Junior State Cup held at Cyril Connell Fields and Norbridge Park in July, far exceeding the predicted 10,000 attendees for the event.
The success builds on Council’s efforts to attract new and expanding sporting events to the region as a way to demonstrate Rockhampton’s sporting facilities and deliver economic benefit to local businesses.
In 2025 alone, the region has hosted a number of significant events, including:
- Queensland Independent Secondary School Rugby League Confraternity Carnival
- Under 14 Boys State Hockey Championships
- Hockey Australia Country Championships
This is part of Council’s broader Economic Development Strategy, working to invest in local hospitality, retail and accommodation businesses through major events and grow jobs and the local economy.
Each of the 2025 events attracted thousands of intra- and inter-state visitors with Council revealing that up to 90 per cent of attendees for some events being from out of the region.
The Touch Queensland Junior State Cup will return to Rockhampton in 2027 for its third of five bi-annual events. Council is also continuing to work with local, state and national sporting bodies to attract and secure new events in the coming years.
For more information on Rockhampton Regional Council’s economic development, tourism and facilities, visit Advance Rockhampton at www.advancerockhampton.com.au/Industries/Tourism-and-Events.
Quotes attributable to Rockhampton Mayor Tony Williams:
“This report confirms what we’ve long known – Rockhampton is a powerhouse for sporting tourism in Central Queensland.
“What it shows is that 2025 Junior State Cup has delivered a major economic boost for our region whilst showcasing the very best Rockhampton has to offer in terms of sporting facilities.
“We have seen a big year for sporting events in our region and we are proud of it. Whether it’s the Confraternity Carnival, Junior Touch or hockey championships – Rockhampton has been the epicentre of sporting events in CQ.
“As we look ahead to hosting rowing for the 2032 Games, it’s reassuring to know we’re already delivering these major events and can meet that high standard that sporting bodies expect.
“We’ve proven we can host large-scale events that bring real economic and social benefits to the region, and we’re excited to build on this momentum going forward.”
Quotes attributable to Parks, Sport and Public Spaces Councillor Cherie Rutherford:
“These results are a fantastic endorsement of the work Council has done to support grassroots and elite sport in our region.
“We’ve seen thousands of families travel here, stay here, and enjoy everything Rockhampton has to offer – and that’s exactly the kind of impact we want to see.
“We love our sporting facilities, and we really do have a great mix of facilities to showcase. Having this data endorses the work we have been doing, and it really puts Rockhampton on the map.
“It makes you proud to be a local and to be able to say – Rockhampton can host those big events and do it well.”