Recent torrential rain and flooding across Queensland has shown the benefits of the proposed Redland Whitewater Centre being used for swift-water rescue training.

Redland City Mayor Karen Williams said Council was planning for the whitewater centre, which will be the venue for Canoe Slalom events during the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, to also deliver important emergency services training.

“We have all seen vision of the recent flooding and swift-water rescues in the news and I take my hat off to the brave men and women from our emergency services agencies who are out there helping our community,” Cr Williams said.

“Currently there are limited training facilities in Queensland to hone these swift-water rescue skills, opening the door for the Redland Whitewater Centre to be home to an emergency services and swift-water rescue training program.

“Basing this sort of training at the Redlands Coast venue will not only deliver important emergency services capabilities, it will also provide ongoing economic benefits.”

Cr Williams said Council had already started discussing these possibilities with state emergency services agencies.

“Council is committed to the whitewater venue delivering a lasting legacy for our community, which is why we have been building strategic partnerships to ensure it can also be used for emergency services training,” she said.

“We will also be speaking with national and international emergency services agencies about potential training partnerships, offering economic and tourism opportunities.

“Last year I travelled to Canberra to brief federal departments on these opportunities and I will continue these conversations following the current Federal election.”

The Redland Whitewater Centre will be located on Birkdale Community Precinct at Birkdale.