Redland City Council at this week’s General Meeting (15 May 2024) confirmed its continued support of the Redland Whitewater Centre.
A Council spokesperson said the decision followed previous Council resolutions, in April 2021 and September 2023, to commit to being a Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games (Brisbane 2032) Junior Games Partner.
“Council has confirmed its continued support for the Redland Whitewater Centre,” the Council spokesperson said.
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“The resolution adopted at this week’s meeting noted that the Sport Venue Review panel report acknowledged the proposed whitewater centre presented a compelling case, with a sound financial model and strong legacy outcomes.
“The review panel findings noted the facility would provide a regional attraction that could have broader benefits to Redlands Coast and would provide a convenient training facility for Queensland Government Emergency Services, Queensland Surf Life Saving and other first responder agencies.
“Council noted the Queensland Government’s response to the recent Sport Venue Review: Independent Review of Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Venue Infrastructure report that recommended the project proceed subject to the continued support of Council.
“Council also noted that it will also refer the Birkdale Community Precinct, which includes the proposed Olympic venue site, for assessment under the Australian Government’s Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999.
“No construction, beyond heritage and maintenance works, will be undertaken on the site until the EPBC referral process has been decided.”
The spokesperson said the Redland Whitewater Centre – as part of the broader Birkdale Community Precinct – was a region-shaping project.
“Council undertook extensive consultation with the Redlands Coast community to design a precinct that would meet community needs as well as Games requirements to deliver a legacy project for the city,” the spokesperson said.
“According to the Trade and Investment Queensland website, the Games are forecast to drive more than 90,000 jobs per year, $3.5 billion in social benefits and more than $4.5 billion in tourism and trade boost for Queensland.
“Being an event venue city will give businesses and investors the confidence that our city is worthy of their attention, and Redlands Coast has a golden opportunity to participate under this once-in-a-lifetime spotlight.”
The Queensland Government’s Project Validation Report process 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, anticipated to be later this year, summary Project Validation Report information will be released.
Council will also share the information with the community at that time.
The proposed Redland Whitewater Centre, to be located on about 18 per cent of the 26 hectare 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 total area for the Birkdale Community Precinct is 62 hectares, which comprises a 36-hectare conservation area. The proposed Redland Whitewater Centre will encompass about eight per cent of the total area of the precinct.
