What’s Happening
As Redland City gears up for the 2032 Olympics over the next eight year, so should the build at the Redland Whitewater Centre.
Building upon the incredible success of our Olympic kayakers and surfers, imagine the potential for a world-class centre that expands the facility by adding a wave pool, one that our Aussie heroes across the country, including those like our local surfing Olympian Ethan Ewing, can lean on for training that will help go for gold in 2032.
We have the weather, the population, the space, and the money for it.
Brisbane’s Best Beachy
Not only would a more comprehensive facility that accommodates additional water sports training areas, like a wave pool, provide year-round training grounds, but it would also provide ongoing support to the local economy well after the games.
The excitement surrounding the inclusion of a wave pool stems from a simple yet powerful idea: training local talent in the location of the games.
While Jess Fox’s recent wins have put a spotlight on canoeing, Ethan Ewing’s journey to the Men’s quarterfinals has inspired surfers across the region. Instead of sending our athletes away for training, why not offer top-tier facilities right here at home?
Economic Ripple Effects
A wave pool isn’t just for surfers – it’s an economic powerhouse.
Look at Kelly Slater’s Surf Ranch wave pool in California’s Central Valley, which draws visitors year-round. Incorporating a wave pool at the Redland Whitewater Centre would attract tourists and surfing enthusiasts, creating a constant flow of activity and revenue.
The Redland Whitewater Centre, part of the broader Birkdale Community Precinct, promises significant regional benefits.
According to the Queensland Government, the 2032 Olympics are expected to generate over 90,000 jobs annually, bring $3.5 billion in social benefits, and boost tourism and trade by $4.5 billion.
A wave pool would amplify these advantages, ensuring the centre remains a vibrant community hub long after the Games.
Training Ground for Local Heroes
For surfers like Ethan Ewing, having a world-class training facility nearby (when Straddie isn’t cooking) is invaluable.
And it’s not just about competitive surfing.
The stack of mainland Surf Life Saving Club members living in and around Brisbane and the Redlands, who would otherwise have to drive hours to the coast or catch ferries, would also benefit, honing their skills in controlled conditions.
This facility must be about building something where athletes of all levels can thrive firstly and foremostly for the Brisbane 2032 games, and beyond.
Undeniably, the Redlands and the Whitewater Centre couldn’t be better suited to do it.
Addressing Community Concerns
Some locals have voiced concerns about the Whitewater Centre becoming obsolete post-Olympics.
We think an additional wave pool would go quite a long way toward addressing worries and ensuring continuous economic benefit flows back to locals well beyond 2032.
Surfers currently travel to the Gold Coast or North Stradbroke Island, and the local wave pool added to facility plans would save time and resources for those traveling up or down the coast, making the Redlands a tourist magnet and surfing destination.
What To Look For Next
Extensive community consultations have already shaped a precinct that meets local needs while fulfilling Olympic requirements.
It’s full steam ahead on the current plan, but there’s still time to go for gold and build it bigger to be better than ever imagined beyond 2032.
With strong financial backing and compelling legacy outcomes, this initiative is a no-brainer for bringing barrels to the Redlands Coast and cementing itself on the surf map.
