QUEENSLANDERS have been invited to have their say on the planning of the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, with State Member for Capalaba Russell Field urging Redlanders to provide feedback.
Last week, the Games Independent Infrastructure and Coordination Authority (GIICA) Board launched a public submission portal as part of its 100 Day Review.
Mr Field said community consultation worked best when locals could have a say.
“We’re committed to delivering a world-class Olympic Games, and I trust that the outcome of the 100 Day Review will outline to Queenslanders the way forward to meet local and global expectations,” he said.
“Our state needs generational infrastructure, and long-term benefits for rural and regional Queensland; Capalaba needs this too.”
Mr Field said expanded transport networks would be one of his top priorities, as would his support of careful planning for the Birkdale Whitewater Centre.
“I’m not alone in thinking that the Birkdale Whitewater Centre has great potential to be a future community asset for locals as a place of recreation,” he said.
“Not only could it be a place for local families to meet and play, but a place that would bolster the local economy by driving visitors to our region.”
Mr Field said that throughout the course of his election campaign, many residents expressed their support for the centre, although he was also aware of community opposition.
“If the whitewater centre is to go ahead, it must be done so in a way that will not lower our local amenity,” he said.
“We must have better investment in our local infrastructure, and we cannot neglect our duty to the natural environment.”
Community Alliance for Responsible Planning (CARP), an Alliance of Redlands community organisations opposing the Whitewater Centre, welcomed the 100 Day Review.
Carp spokesperson Lavinia Wood said the alliance hoped the review would result in the cancellation of the venue planned for the Birkdale Community Precinct.
“Scrapping this proposal will save hundreds of millions of dollars that could be better used to address rising costs elsewhere,” Ms Wood said.
“Whitewater centres are clearly the short straw of Olympic venues.
“They are among the least valuable in terms of community use and appeal.
“Compared to much-needed facilities like an indoor sports centre or another Olympic swimming pool, which are sorely lacking in the Redlands, this proposal makes no sense.”
Redland City Council confirmed its continued support of the Redland Whitewater Centre at its General Meeting on May 15, voting six-five in favour of the proposal.
A Council spokesperson said it was awaiting the formal investment decision by both the State and Federal Governments.
The public submission portal can be found at gamesreview.com.au.
Share your thoughts by writing a letter to the editor to [email protected].
