Stadium politics

While the political debate has been in Townsville, ABC political reporter Chris O'Brien has sent us an update on one of the most discussed election promises.





The North Queensland Cowboys’ champion halfback Johnathan Thurston can influence the outcome of almost every game he plays, but he still hasn’t been able to win a funding commitment from the Prime Minister for a new stadium – even in an election campaign.





Thurston famously issued a public challenge to Malcolm Turnbul l on Grand Final night last year to help pay for a new home ground, and local hopes were high when Mr Turnbull visited Townsville today.





But no luck yet. The PM had $150 million to offer for an eight kilometre rail freight line, but no promise to match Labor’s commitment of $100 million towards a stadium.





“I can understand the Labor Party would rather build a football stadium. Let me say to you this economic infrastructure is going to drive jobs and growth in this city,” Mr Turnbull said.





But is there still a glimmer of hope for Thurston and the Cowboys?





“We’ve received the business case (for the stadium) and we’re looking at it very carefully,” the Prime Minister added, and that was the end of that for now.





Here's a little reminder of the excitement that surrounded Johnathan Thurston at the time, last October.