Legacy Group Goes Silent

THE Redlands Coast 2032 Legacy Working Group, formed to help maximise the city’s role as host of the Brisbane 2032 Canoe Slalom events, has not met for more than two years, sparking growing concern about the city’s readiness to secure lasting Olympic benefits.

Launched in early 2022, the 11-member group brought together local experts in sustainability, tourism, transport and sport.

When the group was established, then-mayor Karen Williams said it would “empower the community to set the direction for future legacy opportunities that flow from this once-in-a-generation opportunity.”

But since its inception, just two formal meetings and a workshop have been held in May, June and August 2023.

In comparison, the City of Brisbane Legacy Committee meets about four times per year, with its most recent meeting occurring last month.

Meanwhile, the official Games Partner Legacy and Impact Coordination Committee which includes Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast and Brisbane, meets monthly.

With other South East Queensland councils advancing their Olympic legacy initiatives, some in the community are questioning whether Redlands is keeping pace.

Councillors have also voiced frustration at the lack of progress, describing it as a missed opportunity for the Redlands.

Cr Peter Mitchell said the group “should already have been refreshed” with updated terms of reference.

“The mayor has chosen not to reconvene the group or, in my view, champion 2032 legacy projects and city infrastructure requests as the civic leader,” he said.

“If the mayor is unable or unwilling, I would be thrilled, as the economic development portfolio representative, to be given authority by the mayor to chair the working group and lead any legacy work for the city she authorises.

“Other councillors are also keen to be authorised by the mayor to act on her behalf for the city in this and other strategic priorities.”

Cr Jason Colley said that, as chair of the group, the mayor had a responsibility to ensure it was “meeting and functioning as it should” to achieve its stated goals.

“Councillors have raised concerns about this for more than a year,” he said.

“Other 2032 Legacy Working Groups coordinated by South East Queensland councils have been meeting, and I would hate to think we were the only one not taking this seriously.

“Going without a meeting for two years really isn’t positioning ourselves for success.”

Cr Shane Rendalls said that, unlike other host councils, Redlands had not shown “enthusiastic leadership” in championing the Olympic opportunities available to the community.

“Whether it be opportunities for the development of accommodation and tourism, supporting business infrastructure, attracting international investment, opportunities to host international training teams before the Olympics, or planning how the community can be involved — there has been little proactive championing of the Games,” he said.

Cr Rendalls, who previously worked in planning and community development in Penrith prior to the Sydney 2000 Olympics, said the effect of Penrith being a host city had been “transformative” for the region.

“Council officers are quietly working away in planning the Whitewater Centre and associated infrastructure, but there is almost no noticeable political leadership from the elected council,” he said.

“While there have been reactive comments from the mayor as council spokesperson, there has been no proactive championing of the Olympics.

“This is the role of the mayor and has not been delegated by the mayor to any other councillor.”

Cr Colley said he hoped the mayor’s “outspoken, personal opposition” to being a Games partner had not contributed to a lack of enthusiasm in reconvening the working group.

“As the Sport and Recreation portfolio councillor, I am more than willing to support the mayor in any way possible to ensure the Games produce optimal legacy benefit for the Redlands Coast, including by being involved with this group,” he said.

A Council spokesperson said the Redlands Coast remains proud to host the 2032 Canoe Slalom events and a meeting of the Legacy Working Group would be convened soon.

Ultimately as chair of the Legacy Working Group, it is Mayor Jos Mitchell’s decision as to when or whether this group is reconvened.

Mayor Mitchell did not respond to requests for comment.

Members include: