THE Australian and Queensland Governments have taken a major step towards delivering the Redland Whitewater Centre, opening Expressions of Interest (EOI) for a Principal Consultant to lead the design of the state’s first whitewater venue.
This development has been unveiled despite the community still having no access to any financial assessment of the project or clarity on the potential cost burden it may place on ratepayers.
The Games Independent Infrastructure and Coordination Authority (GIICA) has gone to market seeking an industry partner to shape the facility, planned for Redland City Council’s Birkdale Community Precinct.
The centre is intended to deliver a long-term legacy for sport, recreation and the wider community.
It will become only the second facility of its kind in Australia and will cater to a broad range of uses including high-performance and recreational paddle training, adventure tourism, and year-round disaster-resilience and swift-water rescue training for emergency services.
The venue will include full amenities, changerooms, boat storage and a spectator terrace with temporary seating capacity for up to 8,000 people during the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
Its design will feature an international-standard canoe slalom course, a kayak cross launch platform, a beginner channel for water-safety and recreational use, and a training lake suitable for paddling and canoe polo.
Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Catherine King said the infrastructure delivery program was on schedule.
“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,” she 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 hosting an Olympic whitewater event in the Redlands would be “incredibly exciting”.
“Hopefully the next Jess Fox will be a local kid who learns their craft in Birkdale.”
Deputy Premier and Minister for State Development, Infrastructure and Planning Jarrod Bleijie said the project demonstrated the State Government’s focus on restoring confidence in Games delivery.
“The Redland Whitewater Centre is more than a Games venue – it’s a year-round asset for sport, recreation, and emergency services,” he said.
GIICA will oversee the project’s design, procurement and construction under the jointly funded $7.1 billion Games Venues Infrastructure Program.
GIICA CEO Simon Crooks said: “The design consultants who are successful in this EOI process will be key partners for us during this crucial period in project development, and we are looking forward to seeing the high quality of responses we receive.”
Redland City Council will become the long-term owner and operator of the facility.
Planning and approvals are being advanced through a streamlined Queensland Government planning pathway, alongside required Commonwealth environmental and cultural heritage assessments.
The Council is finalising an Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation (EPBC) Act referral to ensure compliance.
Council’s early studies indicate the project will have minimal impact on the surrounding environment.
