A public swimming lagoon covering nearly 2,000 square metres is planned beside the Redland Whitewater Centre at Birkdale, forming a central feature of a major recreation precinct being developed ahead of Brisbane 2032.
Located about 23 kilometres east of central Brisbane within the 62-hectare Birkdale Community Precinct, the lagoon is projected by Council to attract close to 400,000 visitors a year.
Redland City Council expects construction to begin in mid-2027 and take about two years, putting completion well ahead of the Games if the timetable is met. The adjoining whitewater venue, jointly funded by the Australian and Queensland governments, is scheduled for completion in 2030.
Council will become its long-term owner and operator, with the centre proposed to host Olympic canoe slalom events while supporting year-round community, training and recreational use.
Integrated Recreation Strategy
The broader Birkdale precinct combines high-performance sport, family recreation, tourism and environmental conservation. The concept appeared in the 2022 draft master plan and was formalised in the adopted March 2023 Master Plan, with Council comparing the planned precinct with destinations including Brisbane’s South Bank, Townsville’s Strand and the Cairns Esplanade.
Long-term plans identify adventure areas, hospitality facilities, walking networks and flexible community spaces for staged delivery across the site. The Whitewater Centre’s reference design includes an international-standard slalom course, a dedicated beginner channel and a training lake, with the venue planned for year-round use.
Outside elite competition, the centre is intended to cater for kayaking, rafting, tubing, beginner paddling and swift-water rescue training. Games-time plans provide for up to 8,000 spectators using temporary seating, while the permanent venue is designed to support longer-term sporting, training and recreational use.
Environmental Approvals
Built development is planned within a minority of the Birkdale property, with nearly 39 hectares of the 62-hectare site designated for conservation, protection and ecological enhancement. Council says the development footprint is concentrated largely on land previously cleared for farming and military use, while surrounding bushland forms part of the conservation area.
The project remains subject to federal environmental oversight under referral EPBC 2026/10471. An initial federal determination found the development was not a controlled action if carried out in a specified manner, but the EPBC portal now lists the project as subject to a reconsideration request.
Design, approvals and procurement work for the Whitewater Centre are continuing separately while the federal reconsideration process remains under way.
Long-Term Commitments
Earlier Council planning estimated delivery of the wider precinct over about 20 years could cost approximately $300 million. Final expenditure and operating costs will depend on detailed design, procurement, funding arrangements, delivery decisions and the eventual operating model.
Integrating the public swimming lagoon with the Olympic whitewater venue remains a central part of the precinct’s legacy planning. Council and Games authorities are seeking to support long-term recreation, visitation and economic activity beyond 2032.
Published 1-Sept-2026
