The identities behind a petition urging Redland City Council to withdraw support for the proposed Birkdale Olympic whitewater centre have been revealed — and they include some of the project’s most vocal long-time opponents.
Thornlands resident Lavinia Wood, a long-time critic of the Birkdale whitewater proposal, has emerged as the principal petitioner behind the document to be tabled at Wednesday’s general council meeting.
Other prominent signatories include Redlands 2030 president Steve MacDonald, members Kathy Petrik and Tom Taranto, and independent political candidate Shaun Holloway, who stood for Bowman at the last federal election. Callen Sorensen-Karklis is also among those listed.
In an apparent error, Mr MacDonald’s name appears twice on the petition, which calls for the council to “withdraw its offer of land for the Birkdale Olympic Whitewater Centre and prioritise a new “Olympic standard” 50-metre public swimming pool to service the longstanding unmet needs of the people of the Redlands.”
Despite living in Division 7, represented by Councillor Rowanne McKenzie, Ms Wood asked Councillor Paul Bishop (Division 10) to present the petition on her behalf.
Cr Bishop will move that the petition be received and referred to the Chief Executive Officer for consideration.
One councillor, speaking on condition of anonymity, quipped:
“I’m sure the petition is sincere and not a political stunt at all. It’s possible of course that they just used this petition as the sign-in sheet at the last Redlands 2030 meeting.”
The petition adds a fresh layer of political intrigue to the already contentious $100 million Birkdale Olympic whitewater project, which is earmarked as a Brisbane 2032 venue for the canoe slalom event.
While supporters argue the centre would deliver long-term tourism and economic benefits, opponents — including Redlands 2030 and community activists like Ms Wood — claim it’s an unnecessary extravagance, a likely future drain on rates, and a missed opportunity to deliver community facilities such as a new public pool.
Council has committed to working with the Queensland Government and Olympic organisers on the project, but the latest petition is expected to reignite debate about whether Redlands Coast residents truly back hosting an Olympic facility — or want investment redirected toward more accessible amenities.
