Whitewater cost, access issues rile ex-MP Don Brown after Olympic 100-day review

An Olympic whitewater centre faces growing backlash after a 100-Day Infrastructure Review raised financial, environmental, and transport concerns, prompting a former MP to lash out.

The 100-day Olympic review listed issues with access and transport to the Redland site but did not include a new designated busway to Capalaba or duplication of the Cleveland train line.

The future of the controversial Redland Whitewater Centre, a $100 million project tied to the 2032 Brisbane Olympics, has come under fresh scrutiny following the release of the state government’s 100-Day Infrastructure Review.

The review affirmed the project’s “value for money” due to co-investment from Redland City Council, but also highlighted significant concerns, including financial viability, environmental impacts, and a lack of community engagement.

Other issues outlined in the review included the project’s location, long-term financial viability, and lack of essential transport infrastructure upgrades, which have led to growing opposition from the local community.

The venue, set to be constructed on Redland City Council-owned land in Birkdale, was initially pitched as an Olympic legacy asset.

An artist impression of the whitewater Olympic venue to be built in Redland. Picture: Redland City Council

The 100-Day Infrastructure Review examined multiple aspects of the Redland Whitewater Centre and found that while it could offer legacy benefits such as increased tourism and swift water rescue training, the project also faced challenges.

Among the 900 public submissions received regarding the facility, many raised concerns about its environmental impact, ongoing operational costs, water supply, and the financial burden on local ratepayers.

The review acknowledged these concerns and also noted criticisms over a lack of community consultation before the project was approved.

Former Capalaba MP Don Brown was also among the most vocal critics, slamming it as “an absolute dud” and questioning the necessity of the facility and its long-term burden on ratepayers.

Ex-Capalaba MP Don Brown says the proposed Olympic venue for Redland would not bring major transport upgrades for the city.

Mr Brown argued it would deliver no substantial infrastructure benefits while placing a heavy financial burden on local residents.

“We’re getting no infrastructure out of it,” Mr Brown said.

“Today’s report — go read it for yourself — all we’re getting is buses being prioritised over cars – no extra lanes for Old Cleveland Rd, no busway, no Metro — that’s in the report.

“The only reason we got the whitewater rafting centre is because of significant co-investment from council.

“So council and ratepayers are going to stump up huge amounts of costs to fund this.

“We get a huge cost for ratepayers, and no infrastructure. We’ve been sold an absolute raw deal by the LNP.”

Mr Brown’s frustrations aligned with key findings from the 100-day review, which detailed concerns over the project’s connectivity.

The review acknowledged that the site was currently reliant on private vehicle access, with no existing public transport links.

Capalaba’s park ‘n’ ride.

While plans include Park ‘n’ Ride facilities from Birkdale train station and a transit hub at Carindale, critics have argued that the measures fell short of the necessary infrastructure investment required to support both the Games and long-term community needs.

The financial implications for Redland ratepayers also remained a contentious issue, with the review noting that the project was proceeding largely due to significant co-investment from Redland City Council.

Mr Brown also criticised the role of former Redland City Mayor Karen Williams and six councillors, many who he claimed had links to the Liberal National Party.

Despite the review’s concerns, it ultimately concluded that the Redland Whitewater Centre was the best option, citing climate suitability, cost efficiencies due to council land contributions, and its role within the broader Birkdale Community Precinct.

The state government will now work with the federal government to ensure environmental approvals are managed effectively.

Originally published as Whitewater cost, access issues rile ex-MP Don Brown after Olympic 100-day review