The State Government’s review of the proposed developments for the 2032 Brisbane Olympics, including the Redlands Whitewater Centre has been completed, with many projects scrapped and others to continue.
The final report provided by an independent panel led by former Brisbane Lord Mayor Graham Quirk, was provided to the Minister for State Development and Infrastructure, Grace Grace on Friday, March 15.
The findings of the Review identified new opportunities to deliver value-for-money for Queenslanders while continuing the government’s vision.
The controversial Redlands Whitewater Centre is one of two paddle venues to be developed for the 2032 Olympics and has been recommended to proceed, subject to the continued support from Redland City Council.
In the days following the Review’s final report, Member for Capalaba, Don Brown MP shared his thoughts on the decision for his electorate.
“It is my understanding that for the facility to go ahead, Council needs to enter into some contracts… contracts to build internal roads, sewerage, water and electricity,” Mr Brown said.
“Those contracts are going to come back before Council for a vote for that expenditure.
“Council will have to go away with their new mayor, to find whether it financially stacks up, whether it’s not going to be a burden on ratepayers and whether they want this asset in Birkdale.
“The ball is in their court.”
The Review has resulted in changes to the Brisbane city-based developments, cancelling the Woolloongabba Stadium rebuild and new stadium for Victoria Park.
The Government is now to explore upgrades to QSAC and Suncorp Stadium while continuing to deliver on the Brisbane Arena.
Premier Steven Miles said the Review was one of his first acts as Premier and was driven by what Queenslanders told him was important to them, focusing on getting the most bang for buck and creating a lasting legacy.
“No one wants to see money spent on facilities that are only needed for four weeks,” he said.
“Instead, this new direction will deliver decades of benefit to local schools, community athletics programs and Olympic and Paralympic athletes in 2032 and beyond.
“My government will accept 90 per cent of the recommendations made, for the benefit of Queenslanders right around the state.
“2032 is one of the greatest opportunities to put Brisbane and Queensland on the map and leave a legacy for generations to come.”
Brisbane 2032 Organising Committee President Andrew Liveris said the Olympic and Paralympic Games must fit the region, not the region fit the games and available venues and infrastructure will be utilised.
“We acknowledge the Queensland Government’s actions in accepting the majority of the independent review’s recommendations and urge due diligence across venues and infrastructure to be completed quickly and in consultation with stakeholders,” he said. The 2024-28 Redland City Council will be required to make further decisions for the future of the Redlands Whitewater Centre and associated developments in the Birkdale precinct area.
Due to the Review’s support for the Birkdale location, the likelihood of the alternative Penrith location for the shalom events remain unknown.
