REDLANDS Coast is positioning itself for an international paddle-sport event before the Brisbane 2032 Olympics, while Council continues planning the long-term legacy of its controversial Birkdale whitewater project.
A Council report to be considered next Wednesday reveals the Redlands Coast 2032 Legacy Working Group was updated on a potential bid for the 2030 World Paddle Games, as well as progress toward formal State recognition of the Birkdale Community Precinct.
The working group — made up of Olympic and Paralympic figures, business, tourism, disability, sustainability and community representatives — met at IndigiScapes on July 31 to discuss how Redlands could secure lasting benefits from the 2032 Games.
Among the updates was the recent rebrand of Paddle Australia to Paddle Worldwide and the opportunity to bring the World Paddle Games to the city in 2030.
The event would provide a major international test for the proposed Redland Whitewater Centre ahead of the Olympics, where the venue is intended to host canoe slalom competition.
The group was also told the Birkdale Community Precinct’s Local Government Infrastructure Designation was expected to be published in the Queensland Government Gazette in late August.
Council has previously said the designation is necessary to help unlock infrastructure funding and progress the broader precinct, which includes the whitewater facility, environmental restoration and community recreation areas.
However, the project remains under Federal scrutiny after the Environment Minister agreed to reconsider an earlier decision that it could proceed subject to conditions under national environmental law.
The reconsideration request, submitted by Community Alliance for Responsible Planning on behalf of several local groups, argues new expert evidence raises concerns about potential impacts on groundwater-linked koala habitat near the proposed centre.
Council maintains its scientific work demonstrates the project can proceed without significant impacts on federally protected species.
While the whitewater centre remains the city’s most prominent Games-linked proposal, the legacy group’s discussions extended beyond sporting infrastructure.
Members considered plans to build volunteer pathways, improve access and inclusion, create local watch parties and community activations, involve young people, and capture stories from past Games volunteers and athletes.
Potential programs included local greeters’ initiatives and inclusive volunteering opportunities designed to build community participation before, during and after 2032.
The group is also developing a Redlands Coast 2032 Legacy Roadmap, which Council says will identify short, medium and long-term projects, partners and measures to help turn the Games into wider economic, social and community benefits.
The roadmap is being developed within Council’s existing operational budget. Working group members are unpaid.
Council officers have recommended councillors simply note the July meeting summary when they meet on August 19.
