Redlands Coast is set to remain an event venue city for Canoe Slalom for the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
The news follows today’s announcement by the Queensland Government that it accepts the Games Independent Infrastructure and Coordination Authority’s 100 Day Review into Games venues and transport infrastructure final report recommendation for the Redland Whitewater Centre project to proceed as scoped.
Redland City Mayor Jos Mitchell said Redland City Council welcomed the findings of the 100 Day Review, which considered integration across venues, transport systems, athlete villages, and precincts, while evaluating demand, affordability, deliverability, and overall impact to maximise social, economic, and environmental outcomes.
“Council considers this exciting news for the city and one step closer to receiving multi-million-dollar investment in new sports infrastructure from the Australian and Queensland governments,” the Mayor said.
“Council has been on this journey with Brisbane and other south-east Queensland councils since 2015 and sees the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games as a catalyst to deliver the infrastructure, including public transport infrastructure, our community needs.
“Council is pleased that the 100 Day Review, led by the Games Independent Infrastructure and Coordination Authority, ensures progression of the Redland Whitewater Centre project and supports it being of great benefit to the Redlands Coast community.
“I am advised the planned Redland Whitewater Centre will be designed for all ages and abilities, offering activities like tubing on calm waters, learning water safety, beginner paddling, and even tackling rapids for canoeing, kayaking, and rafting. This will be a year-round venue for families, emergency services and athletes.
“I acknowledge the Redlands Coast community for their passionate debate regarding this project to ensure Council is doing the best it can for our people and environment, and I thank them for contributing to the Games Independent Infrastructure Authority’s call for ideas and feedback on plans and legacy projects for the Brisbane 2032 Games.
Fast facts
- Council formally committed to being part of the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games at a Special Meeting on 1 April 2021.
- Council reaffirmed its support as a Junior Games Partner at General Meetings on 13 September 2023 and most recently on 15 May 2024.
- The proposed Redland Whitewater Centre, to be located on about 18 per cent of the 26 ha core parkland within the Birkdale Community Precinct, will be funded by the Australian and Queensland governments, and will be planned and delivered by the Queensland Government.
- The Games Independent Infrastructure and Coordination Authority’s Project Validation Report on the Redland Whitewater Centre is in progress and, upon completion, will be considered by the Australian and Queensland governments for an investment decision.
- Following consideration by the Australian and Queensland governments, summary Project Validation Report information will be released.
- The total area for Birkdale Community Precinct is 62 ha, which includes 36 ha of conservation area. The proposed Redland Whitewater Centre will encompass about eight per cent of the total area of the precinct.
- Council will refer Birkdale Community Precinct, which includes the proposed Olympic venue site, for assessment under the Australian Government’s Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999.
Council acknowledges its long-time partners on the project – the International Canoe Federation (ICF) and Paddle Australia.
ICF Canoe Slalom Technical Chair, Richard Fox described the decision as an “exciting day for paddling worldwide”.
“As a sport, we started our engagement with Redland City Council five years ago, and have worked side by side ever since,” he said.
“It is wonderful to see the legacy vision and delivery plan for the Redland Whitewater Centre endorsed by the Queensland Government.
“Following the announcement today, we will continue to contribute to the development of an adventure attraction at the heart of an innovative community precinct.
“Following the ICF slalom world championships in Sydney this year, we can now look forward to world class events on Redlands Coast, ahead of and beyond the Brisbane Olympics in 2032.”
Paddle Australia CEO Kim Crane said the new Redland Whitewater Centre would create an important and strong connection between the sport and the community.
“This is clearly a venue not just for an Olympic competition in 2032, rather it will offer long-term, sustainable opportunities for the community to enjoy active recreation,” she said.
