The Redland City Council reaffirmed its commitment to the proposed Redland Whitewater Centre at its General Meeting on 15 May 2024.
This decision aligns with the Council’s long-standing support for the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games as a Junior Games Partner, dating back to resolutions in April 2021 and September 2023.
A Strategic Investment
The Redland Whitewater Centre, a pivotal component of the Birkdale Community Precinct, promises to be more than just an Olympic venue.
According to the Sport Venue Review panel, the facility presents a compelling case with a sound financial model and robust legacy outcomes.
It is set to serve as a regional attraction, a training facility for emergency services, and a boon to local tourism and trade.
The Queensland Government’s recent Sport Venue Review acknowledged the centre’s potential benefits, including broader economic and social impacts.
The Games are forecast to generate over 90,000 jobs annually, $3.5 billion in social benefits, and a $4.5 billion boost in tourism and trade for Queensland.
Community and Environmental Considerations
The council emphasised that extensive community consultations have shaped the precinct’s design to meet both local needs and Olympic requirements, ensuring a lasting legacy.
The Birkdale Community Precinct, encompassing 62 hectares with a 36-hectare conservation area, will allocate about eight per cent of its total area to the Whitewater Centre.
Pending approval under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999, no major construction will commence until the EPBC referral process is completed.
This careful planning underscores the project’s commitment to environmental stewardship.
Future Prospects
The Redland Whitewater Centre is poised to enhance Redlands Coast’s profile significantly, attracting business and investment while providing state-of-the-art facilities for community use.
The Queensland Government’s Project Validation Report is currently underway, with an investment decision expected later this year.
This project marks a transformative opportunity for the region, spotlighting Redlands Coast on the world stage.
