International and national paddle sport leaders have met with Redland City Mayor Jos Mitchell to discuss strategies to maximise legacy outcomes for Redlands Coast in the lead-up to, and beyond, the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
The delegation, which met with the Mayor on January 23, included representatives from the International Canoe Federation (ICF), Paddle Australia and the Oceania National Olympic Committees Athletes’ Commission.
Redlands Coast is set to host Canoe Slalom during the Brisbane 2032 Games, with the proposed Redland Whitewater Centre planned for construction at the Birkdale Community Precinct.
Mayor Mitchell, who also chairs the Redlands Coast 2032 Legacy Working Group, said the meeting aligned with Council’s own legacy planning and highlighted the importance of activating the venue beyond the Games.
“It was a positive opportunity to hear from the delegates about their international strategies, such as community activation, sustainability, wellbeing and recreation,” the Mayor said.
“It was also an opportunity to discuss how to grow paddle sports from the grass roots up on Redlands Coast – including come-and-try programs, pre-Games training, and attracting potential national and international events.
“Paddle Australia gave an update at the meeting on its bid for the inaugural 2030 World Paddle Games which bring together all 10 ICF disciplines in a single global competition and festival.
“Games events are expected to include the Olympic formats of Canoe Sprint, Canoe Slalom and Kayak Cross, as well as Paracanoe, Canoe Marathon, Wildwater Canoeing, Ocean Racing, Canoe Polo, Canoe Freestyle, Dragon Boat and Stand Up Paddling.
“Redlands Coast presents an ideal location to help stage this world-first event and to include Canoe Slalom at the Redland Whitewater Centre which is due for completion in 2030.
“It is important to secure events to support the project and its legacy.”
ICF President Thomas Konietzko said the proposed Redland Whitewater Centre reflected a forward-thinking approach that aligned with the sport’s global direction.
“It was extremely encouraging to discuss with the Mayor how the Redland Whitewater Centre project can support participation, sustainability and international competition, including the exciting opportunity for Redlands to be part of Paddle Australia’s bid to host the inaugural World Paddle Games ahead of Brisbane 2032,” Mr Konietzko said.
ICF Slalom Chair Richard Fox said the project had the potential to set a new international standard for Canoe Slalom facilities.
“What makes the Redland Whitewater Centre project particularly compelling is the legacy first approach and a clear focus on community use, athlete development and long-term legacy,” he said.
“Bringing experts together at this early stage, and engaging directly with the Mayor on how Redlands can welcome the international paddling community, reflects exactly the kind of joined-up thinking required in the lead-up to 2032.”
ICF Secretary General Richard Pettit said the development demonstrated a strong commitment to community benefit beyond a single Olympic cycle.
“The approach is what delivers genuine, long-term impact, benefiting local communities, athletes and the sport well beyond a single Games cycle,” he said.
“From concept through to delivery, we have been delighted to bring international expertise to the table, and it was a real pleasure to meet with Mayor Mitchell to discuss how Redlands can play a meaningful role in supporting Paddle Australia’s bid to host the inaugural World Paddle Games, just two years ahead of the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.”
Paddle Australia CEO Kim Crane said the vision for the Birkdale Community Precinct aligned strongly with the organisation’s values.
“Our sport and lifestyle is built on a shared enthusiasm and strong belief in creating places and dynamic, thriving communities,” she said.
“We look forward to working with the community to develop new ways to activate and enjoy the water, connecting people to Redlands Coast as a new home for paddle sports.”
The international delegation last visited Redlands Coast in early 2023, when they toured the proposed whitewater centre site at the Birkdale Community Precinct.
The International Canoe Federation provides global leadership across paddling sports, overseeing 10 core disciplines worldwide, while Paddle Australia is the national peak body for paddle sports in Australia.
