An Expressions of Interest (EOI) for a Principal Consultant to lead the design of the Redland Whitewater Centre at Birkdale has gone to market today.
The Games Independent Infrastructure and Coordination Authority (GIICA) is searching for an industry partner ready to shape Queensland’s first whitewater venue.
Located in Redland City Council’s planned Birkdale Community Precinct, the centre will be a venue for canoe slalom events during the 2032 Brisbane Olympic and Paralympic Games.
Redland City Deputy Mayor Julie Talty welcomed the investment from the Australian and Queensland governments in the centre.
“The Redland Whitewater Centre will be a vital element of the new Birkdale Community Precinct master-planned parkland,” Cr Talty said.
“The whitewater centre will bring many opportunities for our community, including offering a new activity hub, and increasing Redlands Coast’s appeal as a tourism destination, while its design will provide the legacy of an emergency services disaster resilience and swift-water rescue training facility.
“Council is working to create new Redlands Coast experiences for our community, to build on the 1.2 million visitors already contributing $399 million annually to our local economy.
“We look forward to collaborating with key stakeholders to attract more visitors, encourage longer stays and boost spending in our region.”
The centre will support a range of whitewater sports including high-performance and recreational paddle training and events, as well as adventure tourism, and year-round disaster resilience and swift water rescue training for our emergency services.
It will also feature full amenities, changerooms, boat storage, and a spectator terrace with temporary capacity for up to 8000 people for the 2032 Brisbane Games.
The centre’s versatile design will cater for elite and recreational rafting and paddling featuring an international standard canoe slalom course and kayak cross launch platform.
There will also be a beginner channel for water safety and recreational use, and a training lake for paddling and canoe polo.
The project’s design, procurement and construction will be delivered by GIICA, as part of the $7.1 billion Games Venues Infrastructure Program jointly funded by the Queensland and Australian Governments, with Redland City Council as the long-term owner and operator.
EOIs close on 21 January 2026.
For more information go to the GIICA website
