Redland City Mayor Karen Williams is pleased the International Olympic Committee (IOC) Executive has recommended Brisbane’s proposal be advanced to a full committee session vote expected ahead of the opening of the Games of the XXXII Olympiad in Tokyo on July 23.
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) announced early this morning that it would progress Brisbane’s proposal to host the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games to a full vote and that Redlands Coast was set to be the location for the canoe (slalom) events if it was endorsed.
“A purpose-built Olympic-standard Redland Whitewater Centre is part of the integrated Redlands Coast Adventure Sports Precinct for which Birkdale Community Precinct on Old Cleveland Road East, Birkdale, is the preferred site,” Cr Williams said.
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“The Olympic venue will be funded by both the Federal and State governments and would help support other attractions at the site, including Willards Farm and the WWII radio receiver station, both financially and through attraction of visitors.
“In April 2021, the Federal Government committed to a 50/50 funding arrangement with the Queensland Government for all venues and critical infrastructure associated with the potential 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
“What is so very exciting about this venue is that it will be a legacy facility for generations to come.
“It will also bring forward significant infrastructure, in particular, road, rail and bus projects for Redlands Coast.
“Our community is particularly keen to see the much-needed duplication of the Cleveland railway line and the completion of the Eastern Busway to Capalaba.
“Similar Olympic facilities elsewhere demonstrate substantial local economic benefits, including during construction and for ongoing operation.
“It is anticipated that about 150 jobs could be sustained through the building and delivery of the adventure sports precinct, with an annual contribution of $52 million to the local economy.
“It also has significant opportunities as a swift-water rescue training facility for emergency services.
“The whitewater centre will be part of a larger adventure sports precinct proposed to be integrated into Birkdale Community Precinct with its overall legacy opportunities being compelling.
“A whitewater facility featured strongly in the community’s list of preferred ideas for the Birkdale precinct during Council’s recent extensive community engagement campaign.
“At 62 hectares, Birkdale Community Precinct provides more than enough space to accommodate the Redlands Coast Adventure Sports Precinct and a variety of other uses in an integrated way.
“As well as strong support for the whitewater facility, the community told us they wanted picnic facilities, cycling and walking paths and circuits, access to Tingalpa Creek and natural areas, café and dining areas, community markets, camping and overnight stays, an amphitheatre and performance spaces, education and training facilities, paddock to plate, wildlife tourism and night walks.”
Cr Williams said the Council of Mayors (SEQ), which has been instrumental in the Brisbane 2032 proposal, is honoured the IOC Executive has recommended the proposal go to a full session vote.
“While we acknowledge this exciting milestone, there is still a lot of work to be done and all partners look forward to a final decision by the IOC and stand ready to assist in providing any further information,” Cr Williams said.
“The potential benefits of a Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games are massive – some $8.1 billion in economic and social benefits for Queensland, and $17.6 billion nationally.”
