AS Queensland’s 100-day review of Olympic venues nears completion, the focus is on the final report, expected to be finalised by March 9.
Among the key projects under scrutiny is the proposed Redland Whitewater Centre at Birkdale, which has garnered strong support from the Council of Mayors South East Queensland.
The proposed centre aims to provide a dedicated space for swift-water rescue training and emergency services, ultimately enhancing Queensland’s preparedness for water-related emergencies.
Meanwhile, a newly released expert report suggests that the construction of the Whitewater Centre could lead to long-term environmental damage, sparking debate over whether the benefits of the project outweigh its ecological risks.
The report, prepared on behalf of an alliance of six community organisations in the Redlands, was released as part of the Senate Inquiry into Australia’s Preparedness to Host the Commonwealth, Olympic, and Paralympic Games.
“We are pleased that our submission has been made public, allowing everyone to see the expert report and the undeniable environmental consequences of the proposed Redlands Whitewater Centre,” said Lavinia Wood, spokesperson for an alliance of organisations opposing the venue.
The findings indicate that the massive concrete development, which would cut deep into the landscape, risks damaging and diverting the delicate aquifer that sustains the surrounding core koala habitat.
This, according to the report, could lead to the loss of precious and endangered animals.
Ms Wood also raised concerns that the community of Redland, with just 166,000 residents, would bear the long-term costs of a financially unviable facility.
“We believe the paddling community and others promoting this venue are unaware of the severe threat to koalas, and that our small community of just 166,000 people would be burdened with the costs of this loss-making Olympic facility indefinitely,” she said.
Ms Wood said the IOC’s “New Norm” policy was specifically designed to stop the building of unnecessary, financially unviable Olympic venues.
“It prioritises the use of existing facilities – even in another country,” she said.
Ms Wood pointed out that the refurbished Penrith Whitewater Stadium was already set to host the 2025 World Canoe Slalom Championships.
“Clearly, this is the logical choice for the canoe slalom events,” she said.
“The people of the Redlands have consistently made it clear: We want wild koalas, not a whitewater elephant.”
