The International Canoe Federation fully supports the Australian and Queensland Governments’ push for a Principal Consultant to lead the Redland Whitewater Centre’s design.
The facility, which will host Canoe Slalom at the Olympic Games Brisbane 2032, will be the second of its kind in Australia after the Penrith Whitewater Stadium, and will deliver a lasting legacy for the sport, recreation, and the wider community.
After the Games, the venue will be a haven for whitewater sports, both high-performance and recreational, bringing significant tourism exposure to Redland City.
Apart from a professional Canoe Slalom course, including a kayak cross launchpad, there will also be a beginner channel for water safety and recreational use, and a training lake for paddling and Canoe Polo.
Set to have a temporary spectator stand for the Games, the facility will also feature full amenities, changerooms, and boat storage.
The design, procurement and construction of the venue will be delivered by the Games Independent Infrastructure and Coordination Authority (GIICA), as part of the $7.1 billion Games Venues Infrastructure Program, jointly funded by the Queensland and Australian Governments, with Redland City Council as the long-term owner and operator.
“The planning and delivery of all Games venues is progressing as needed to ensure we are ready to host the world’s greatest sporting event in 2032," Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Catherine King said.
“What Redland Whitewater Centre highlights is that Queensland communities will benefit far beyond 2032 from the Games, with improved recreation and sports facilities across the state and in this particular case a dedicated venue to train emergency services in swift-water rescue.”
“This commitment to Games infrastructure will not only benefit the Redlands in the short term but contribute a legacy for decades to come," Senator for Queensland Murray added.
“Hopefully, the next Jess Fox will be a local kid who learns their craft in Birkdale.”
“Today’s announcement is another example of how the Crisafulli Government has put the Games back on track and is delivering the infrastructure that will leave a lasting legacy for our communities," Deputy Premier of Queensland and Minister for State Development, Infrastructure and Planning Jarrod Bleijie said.
“The Redland Whitewater Centre is more than a Games venue – it’s a year-round asset for sport, recreation, and emergency services.
“The Crisafulli Government’s commitment to this project reflects our vision for 2032 and beyond, creating world-class facilities that benefit Queenslanders long after the Olympic flame goes out.”
“We are seeing increasing global momentum in the development of new whitewater venues designed around sustainable, community-first business models,” ICF President Thomas Konietzko said.
“These centres are proving to be practical assets that serve both high-performance sport and everyday paddling.
“As the Deputy Premier of Queensland, Bleijie rightly noted, their role extends far beyond that of Games venues - they provide lasting, year-round value for sport, recreation, training, and emergency services.
“As an International Federation, we are committed to ensuring that such facilities achieve the right balance between hosting world-class competitions and remaining open and accessible to local communities.
“This balance is crucial for strengthening athlete pathways, expanding participation, and securing the long-term sustainability of our sport well beyond major events.
“We look forward to continuing our close collaboration with local authorities, GIICA, and Paddle Australia to help bring this vision to life and to deliver lasting benefits for both elite athletes and the wider community.”
Expressions of Interest (EOI) close at 5pm AEST on January 21, 2026. Submit an EOI via https://giica.au/procurement.
Pictures are an artist's impression shared by GIICA.
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