Olympic canoe slalom stays in Redland despite heated backlash

Redland will host the canoe slalom at Brisbane 2032 Olympics, but fierce community backlash persists over the $100 million whitewater venue, with legal and environmental battles looming.

Redland mayor Jos Mitchell has welcomed the Premier David Crisafulli’s announcement that Redland will be home to the Olympic whitewater venue.

Redland has officially been confirmed as the venue for canoe slalom at the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, following the state government accepting recommendations in a 100-day review.

Premier David Crisafulli made the announcement at The Courier-Mail’s Future Brisbane event, solidifying plans for the $100 million Redland Whitewater Centre at Birkdale.

However, the Premier failed to elaborate on costings in his speech.

The facility, designed to host Olympic whitewater events, will be a key component of a broader Games infrastructure overhaul that includes new sports centres in Logan and Moreton Bay, improved rail links, and an upgraded athlete village on the Gold Coast.

The whitewater venue at the Beijing Olympic Games in 2008 has closed, with the site now vacant. Picture: Howard Morland WikiCommons

“And a new whitewater rafting centre in the Redlands,” Mr Crisafulli said.

“From Brisbane to the Gold Coast, faster rail with new stations will reduce commute times, while future upgrades to the Coomera Connector will better connect growing cities.

“The Gold Coast will be home to an athlete village and host events at a new arena, an upgraded hockey centre, and the Convention Centre.”

The announcement came after the Games Independent Infrastructure and Coordination Authority concluded that proceeding with the Redland Whitewater Centre was the most viable option for hosting the canoe slalom.

In its Project Validation Report, GIICA highlighted several key reasons for supporting the controversial venue, emphasising its long-term community benefits, cost efficiencies, and suitability for Olympic competition.

According to the report, the facility will serve as a year-round asset for adventure sports, high-performance training, and swift-water rescue exercises, boosting tourism and recreation opportunities in Redland.

The authority also noted that construction costs would be significantly reduced due to Redland City Council’s land contribution and the concurrent development of the broader Birkdale Community Precinct.

Redland mayor Jos Mitchell welcomed the decision, hailing the multimillion-dollar investment as a game-changer for the region’s sporting and recreational landscape.

“Council has been on this journey with Brisbane and other southeast Queensland councils since 2015,” Cr Mitchell said.

“The Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games serve as a catalyst for much-needed infrastructure, including public transport and sports facilities.

“Council is pleased that the 100-day review … ensures progression of the Redland Whitewater Centre project and supports it being of great benefit to the Redlands Coast community.

“I am advised the planned Redland Whitewater Centre will be designed for all ages and abilities, offering activities like tubing on calm waters, learning water safety, beginner paddling, and even tackling rapids for canoeing, kayaking, and rafting.”

Redland City Council land at Birkdale will be used for the multimillion-dollar site.

While government officials tout the Redland Whitewater Centre as a lasting community asset, local opposition remains fierce.

Environmental groups and residents argue that the project disregards the ecological sensitivity of the council-owned site at Birkdale, particularly its status as a sanctuary for endangered koalas.

Community Alliance for Responsible Planning Redlands spokeswoman Lavinia Wood said the alliance was “shocked” with the decision but have written to the Premier “to respect the wishes of Redlanders and remove this project from the Olympic venue plan”.

Community groups Redlands2030; Koala Action Group; Carp’s Lavinia Wood; and Birkdale Progress Association. Picture: Contributed

“This decision comes despite overwhelming evidence that the people of the Redlands do not want a whitewater centre, and never have,” Ms Wood said.

“For the past four years, Redlanders have consistently rejected this proposal.

“Only last month, a Redland poll showed that 74 per cent of locals remained against the project.

“These facilities are among the least valuable Olympic venues in terms of community use.

and they run at a loss and rarely provide long-term benefits.

“The $100 million earmarked for this project — plus an additional $50 million for supporting infrastructure — could be better spent on other Olympic venues, essential community services, or cyclone recovery efforts.

“The people of the Redland will continue to fight this project through all available legal and environmental channels. We want wild koalas, not a whitewater elephant.”

An artist impression of the whitewater venue at Redland. Picture: Redland City Council

The Redland Whitewater Centre will be subject to environmental scrutiny under the Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act due to its impact on endangered wildlife.

Heritage protections and an ongoing Native Title Claim over the land could also delay, or even derail, the development.

Opponents have also argued that Olympic canoe slalom events should instead be held at the existing Penrith Whitewater Stadium in New South Wales, in line with the International Olympic Committee’s new norm policy, which prioritises the use of existing facilities to reduce costs.

The ongoing controversy is also expected to put pressure on the state government to reconsider the decision.