The Australian and Queensland Governments are powering ahead on their delivery of the Redland Whitewater Centre with the opening of Expressions of Interest (EOI) for a Principal Consultant to lead the facility’s design.
The Games Independent Infrastructure and Coordination Authority (GIICA) has gone to market today in search of an industry partner ready to shape Queensland’s first whitewater venue.
Located in Redland City Council’s planned Birkdale Community Precinct, the centre will deliver a lasting legacy for sport, recreation and the wider community, and will be just the second facility of its kind in Australia.
The venue will support a range of whitewater sports including high-performance and recreational paddle training and events, as well as adventure tourism, and year-round disaster resilience and swift water rescue training for our emergency services.
The facility will also feature full amenities, changerooms, boat storage, and a spectator terrace with temporary capacity for up to 8,000 for the 2032 Brisbane Olympic and Paralympic Games.
The centre’s versatile design will cater for elite and recreational rafting and paddling featuring an international standard canoe slalom course and kayak cross launch platform.
There will also be a beginner channel for water safety and recreational use, and a training lake for paddling and canoe polo.
Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Catherine King said the delivery of this sporting infrastructure would ensure lasting benefits for communities for years to come.
“The planning and delivery of all Games venues is progressing as needed to ensure we are ready to host the world’s greatest sporting event in 2032,” Minister King said.
“What Redland Whitewater Centre highlights is that Queensland communities will benefit far beyond 2032 from the Games, with improved recreation and sports facilities across the state and in this particular case a dedicated venue to train emergency services in swift-water rescue.”
Senator for Queensland Murray Watt said Australia had a proud Olympic history in white water sports and to bring the event to the Redlands in 2032 was going to be incredibly exciting for the region.
“This commitment to Games infrastructure will not only benefit the Redlands in the short term but contribute a legacy for decades to come,” Senator Watt said.
“Hopefully the next Jess Fox will be a local kid who learns their craft in Birkdale.”
Deputy Premier of Queensland and Minister for State Development, Infrastructure and Planning Jarrod Bleijie said this announcement demonstrated how the State Government was delivering for 2032 and beyond.
“Today’s announcement is another example of how the Crisafulli Government has put the Games back on track and is delivering the infrastructure that will leave a lasting legacy for our communities,” the Deputy Premier said.
“The Redland Whitewater Centre is more than a Games venue – it’s a year-round asset for sport, recreation, and emergency services.
“The Crisafulli Government’s commitment to this project reflects our vision for 2032 and beyond, creating world-class facilities that benefit Queenslanders long after the Olympic flame goes out.”
State Member for Capalaba Russell Field said the Redland Whitewater Centre was a welcome addition to the growing region and reflected the State Government’s commitment to delivering a Games for all of Queensland.
“By investing in world-class infrastructure here in Redlands, the Crisafulli Government is ensuring the Games leave a lasting legacy, supporting growth, attracting visitors, and delivering facilities that our community can enjoy long after 2032,” Mr Field said.
State Member for Oodgeroo Amanda Stoker said this was a once-in-a-generation opportunity to establish the recreation and lifestyle precinct Redland families had been seeking for years.
“It means jobs for locals, transport investments, better emergency services, parklands, lagoons and sports and tourism attractions that provide a legacy that will go well beyond the games,” Ms Stoker said.
State Member for Redlands Rebecca Young said the Redland Whitewater Centre represented generational infrastructure that will deliver long-term economic, recreational and resilience benefits for the region.
“This project isn’t just about 2032 it’s about positioning Redlands to seize tourism, supply chain and business opportunities for decades to come.”
The project’s design, procurement and construction will be delivered by GIICA, as part of the $7.1 billion Games Venues Infrastructure Program jointly funded by the Queensland and Australian Governments, with Redland City Council as the long-term owner and operator.
EOIs close at 5pm AEST on 21 January 2026. Submit an EOI via our https://giica.au/procurement
