A-League football could yet return to Cairns on a permanent basis if the Queensland Government approves plans for an $8.15 billion integrated resort and casino in the city’s north.

Aquis, the Hong Kong company behind the proposal and the major sponsor of state league team Far North Queensland Heat, is expecting to hear back in February whether Australia’s largest tourism development will receive the green light.

If it does, Aquis is understood to be ready to help fund a purpose-built rectangular stadium in Cairns and an A-League bid.

It provides an interesting backdrop as Cairns prepares to host its first ever national league game on Saturday between Brisbane Roar and Wellington Phoenix at Cazalys Stadium.

Money for the A-League bid and the stadium would come from a community benefit fund, bankrolled by Hong Kong billionaire Tony Fung and set up to help sweeten the deal for Aquis.

Aquis became the FNQ Heat’s major sponsor in March 2014, and at the time chief executive Justin Fung publicly declared their intention to help secure Cairns an A-League team.

That commitment has not waivered, despite the approval process for the project having stalled for the last 18 months and recent issues surrounding the junior structures of the FNQ Heat, who play in the Queensland National Premier Leagues and have twice qualified for the FFA Cup.

FNQ Heat chairman Colin Daly said the “context” of the Aquis sponsorship, which expires in February, will be defined by their development approval. “We’re still very much in touch with them,” Daly told AAP.

FFA’s receptiveness to a Cairns bid is another matter. While the governing body might prefer teams in higher-density urban areas, it would be hard for them to turn away from Aquis’ riches and the opportunity for football to benefit from what is seen as a game-changing development.

Asked if, despite FFA’s clear desire for new teams in major cities, Cairns could support its own A-League team one day, Daly said: “I think it could, certainly at the NPL level and we’d like to think in time at an A-League level - and this is excluding Aquis.”

“If Aquis comes in it’s a laydown misere, they promise it all. I believe this region will become strong and will have more and more ability to do that provided we get the game right here and promote it well collectively.”

Aquis has also purchased resort and casino properties in Canberra and on the Gold Coast and followed those investments by sponsoring Super Rugby’s Brumbies and the NRL’s Titans with rich front-of-shirt deals.

It is understood A-League chief Damien de Bohun met with Aquis representatives last year during a visit to Cairns. Cairns mayor Cr Bob Manning is also pushing for a new rectangular stadium and intends to have one built by the end of his next term if he is re-elected next year.