City reveals plans for whitewater rafting facility in push for Olympic bid

A proposed aquatic adventure and rescue precinct is on the drawing board as this southeast Queensland city gets serious about the 2032 Olympics bid.

Australian Olympic paddler Jessica Fox in action. Athletes may be using new Redlands Coast facilities as part of southeast Queensland’s 2032 bid. Picture: Phillip Wittke.

A bid to bring Olympic events to the Redlands Coast is gathering pace with the announcement the city is considering plans for a whitewater rafting and kayaking facility.

The project is part of a proposed aquatic adventure and rescue precinct, which would also include an emergency training facility.

Redland City Council is about to start looking at potential locations and investigating what other adventure sports could be located in the precinct.

Mayor Karen Williams said the project would be a real coup for the Redlands Coast, and its reputation as a coastal destination of choice.

“It would also support Redlands Coast’s role in a southeast Queensland Olympics bid, providing a catalyst for the transport infrastructure needed to support the future of this city,” she said.

Olympic canoeing events may be held on the Redlands Coast if a new facility goes ahead.

The mayor said council’s Olympic bid focus was securing “desperately needed” State public transport infrastructure including duplication of the Cleveland rail line and extending the Eastern Busway to Capalaba.

“This means the location for this project will need to be somewhere that helps to deliver this infrastructure that is so important for our community,” Cr Williams said.

“Redlands Coast has an abundance of naturally wonderful coastal experiences for residents and visitors alike to explore, so it is appropriate that we consider the tourism opportunities an aquatic and adventure sports facility would deliver to this city.”

The decision to pursue the development opportunity follows Surf Life Saving Queensland withdrawing its plans for a centre of excellence alongside a new Redlands Coast aquatic centre.

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“Council had been working with SLSQ on a centre of excellence as part of our plans to build a new aquatic facility in the Redlands,” Cr Williams said.

“While there was significant advocacy by both SLSQ and Council, unfortunately State and Federal funding was not available at this time, making the project unfeasible.

“As a result, SLSQ has advised they will not be progressing with their centre of excellence and are hence discontinuing the memorandum of understanding with Council.

“This decision now means Council will explore a new project that could see a whitewater rafting facility co-located with other adventure sports and aquatic training to create a larger recreational and aquatic precinct.”

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SLSQ chief executive Dave Whimpey said a new aquatic adventure and rescue precinct would be of great benefit to the local community.

“While we unfortunately will not be progressing with plans for a centre of excellence to sit alongside the proposed facility, we are interested to explore further partnerships with Redland City Council,” he said.

“A new Redlands Coast aquatic centre, for example, would offer an excellent training base for our lifeguards and volunteer surf lifesavers.

“SLSQ and Council have a longstanding relationship that helps ensure the protection of beachgoers in the region, and we are very keen for that relationship to continue.”

Cr Williams said partnerships were critical to the viability of such a venue.

“Council has also spoken with QFES about the potential for our State’s emergency services using the facility for training, which would create a legacy for the whole State,” she said.

“I have also spoken with the Quandamooka Yoolooburrabee Aboriginal Corporation, which has a strong connection with canoeing.”