Building an expensive new whitewater facility in Redlands for the 2032 Brisbane Olympics is exactly the sort of project that the International Olympic Committee (IOC) set out to avoid with its New Norm principles, adopted in 2018.
Avoid expensive new venues
These principles support the goal of reducing capital costs by using existing venues:
“Capital investments by public authorities would also be favourably reduced by introducing more flexible requirements and allowing use of existing venues.”
These principles were included in operational requirements for host cities published by the IOC in July 2018. Clause VEN 02 – Maximum use of existing venues says:
“In line with Olympic Agenda 2020 recommendation 1, that calls for maximum use of existing facilities and temporary/demountable venues, ensure the following:
- temporary venues shall be developed in the most cost-effective way, weighing the cost of the technical solution against the revenue-generating potential for the events it will host;
- new permanent or relocatable venues shall be considered only if a viable business plan is presented detailing proven post-Games demand, funding, sustainability and future operational usage, including operator; and
- for the specific case of mono-functional venues (i.e. venues whose main usage is limited to one sport/event) no new permanent construction shall be required. Instead, competitions should be moved to the most suitable existing venue, in agreement between the IOC/IPC and the IF(s) concerned, even if located outside the Host City/Country”.
Organisers of the Brisbane 2032 Olympics can use existing infrastructure even if this is located in another country. This is set out in clause 15.3 of the Olympic Host Contract Principles 2032 which says the Brisbane 2032 Olympics host and organiser:
“…shall maximise the use of existing and planned infrastructure in the Host Country (or, where relevant, outside the Host Country…”.
The exception to the rule is where new venues:
- are supported by viable business plans; and
- fulfil long term legacy needs of the Host Country
If the sport of canoe slalom is retained for the 2032 Brisbane Olympics, events can be held at the existing whitewater venue in Penrith NSW.
This venue was recently selected for the 2025 Canoe Slalom World Championships so it is obviously suitable for international competition.
No need for whitewater in the Redlands
There is no published business case for building a new whitewater venue in Redlands.
And there’s no credible evidence that building a whitewater facility for sport, recreation or even ‘resilience training’ in Redlands would fulfil long-term Australia’s long term legacy needs.
Prior to Brisbane initiating its 2032 Olympics bid, there were no infrastructure plans published by any level of government for a new whitewater facility in Australia.
Redland City Council, as proponents of a white water facility at Birkdale, are now pitching that this Olympic facility is a much needed swift water resilience training centre.
This re-badging appears to be a desperate attempt by the Council to snag funding for a new Olympic venue that is not needed according to the Olympics New Norm principles.
Construction and operation of a swift water resilience training centre is an activity that would normally be undertaken by state governments – if it is considered necessary.
But swift water training is already taking place in NSW at the Penrith facility and at Tully Gorge in North Queensland.
Why should Redlands ratepayers be lumbered with the ongoing operational costs of a facility that, if needed, should be a state government responsibility?
Establishing a new whitewater facility that effectively duplicates the Penrith facility clearly undermines the IOC goal of making hosting the Olympics more financially stable and affordable, and attractive to new Host Cities.
Mayoral candidate rejects whitewater plan
Mayoral candidate Jos Mitchell has announced she will not be supporting progression of the whitewater facility as part of Redland City Council’s plans for the Birkdale Precinct.
In response, State MP for Capalaba Don Brown said
“I think it is important not to force a major piece infrastructure onto a council and a city that potentially does not want it.
I will therefore discuss with the Premier and Deputy Premier about not starting construction at the site until after the March 2024 Council elections”.
Have your say about whitewater plans
To Redland City Council
Redland City Council is currently inviting submissions about a planning process for development in the Birkdale Community Precinct which would include the proposed whitewater facility.
This is a good opportunity to tell the Council what you really think about its plans for developing the precinct around a whitewater facility with no business case, a facility that would become a huge burden for Redlands ratepayers for decades.
You can make submissions about the Council’s plans, known as the Birkdale Community Precinct Local Government Infrastructure Designation until 22 May 2023.
To a Senate inquiry
Australia’s preparedness to host Commonwealth, Olympic and Paralympic Games is being examined by a Senate committee.
The inquiry’s terms of reference include such matters as:
- the adequacy of oversight and accountability processes for investments in new or upgraded sporting infrastructure to host Games events; and
- the costs and benefits to the Australian community of investments in infrastructure to support the Games, including any impacts on local government, communities and business in host locations.
The closing date for submissions has been extended to 29 May 2023.
Redlands2030 – 1 May 2023
Please note: Offensive or off-topic comments will be deleted. If offended by any published comment please email thereporter@redlands2030.net
5 Comments
No to the white water in Redlands. This council and government are the worst ever. Stop putting more people on the islands too, there’s no infrastructure to hold everyone, too many cars and the wildlife is suffering. Stop.
Our bid for the 2032 Olympics stated that we already had all the necessary infrastructure in place. This clearly was not so if there are now disruptive and disastrous proposals for new work at sites such as Birkdale. No more bushland/ wetland should be sacrificed at a time when these assets are becoming increasingly precious for our future.
In rejecting use of Birkdale Community Precinct to be mined and excavated for a Whitewater Canoe racing project along with a South Bank style lagoon, (inappropriate for this area of Redlands in my view) I would add, having read numerous letters to Editor of Redland City Bulletin, it’s unanimous…we, the people, DO NOT WANT IT!
Organizers of the Brisbane 2032 Olympics must therefore, consider using an existing Whitewater canoe racing facility such as Penrith, NSW, that has been selected for 2025 Championships proven to be suited to international competition.
Another suggestion, closer to home, is using Sleeman Sports Complex, Chandler, where past Olympic events have been held. Local resident feels it appropriate to build Whitewater facility where disused velodrome is located. and would be close by the swimming facility.
In any event, the ex-Commonwealth land, highly valued by Redlanders, must have only low impact facilities in keeping with, and protecting, the WW2 Radio Receiving Station, and restoration of the Willard Homestead, built by early Europeans in mid-1800s, passing on to future generations the historical values of the land..
Totally agree with 1 may article on proposed white water facility. It would be good if we could press an agree button to Letters to the Editor.
Amy, I completely agree with what you have said but I’m starting to believe that no matter what we the Rate payers want or don’t want this great council of ours will do what they want anyway.