Investors sought for Logan city’s vision for a south east Queensland whitewater park

March 10, 2020

Logan City Council has approved an Expression of Interest (EOI) campaign as the next step towards the city’s proposed Olympic-standard whitewater park.

The campaign will test the market for private sector interest in the project.

In building a business case for the facility, Council examined delivery models of existing whitewater park operations around the world.

That investigation found a public-private partnership or joint venture to be the best way forward.

As a result, the EOI will explore options not only for construction and operations investment but also the management of the facility.

Advising that an EOI campaign was the logical next step after extensive research and planning into the proposed facility over a number of years, Logan City Council interim Administrator Tamara O’Shea stated "there has been an evidence-based approach to this exciting project from the outset.

“The learnings acquired so far, and the feedback we expect from the EOI, will ensure Council is well-placed to make decisions on a Queensland-first facility that has the potential to deliver significant economic and recreational benefits to the city.”

Potential investors, operators and a range of users from elite athletes, governing bodies and emergency services have already shown interest in the project since Council conducted a Pre-Feasibility Study last year.

Three-time World Cup freestyle kayak champion Jez Blanchard said a world-class whitewater facility in Logan would be a huge asset for city and the wider community.

Blanchard advised "athletes and coaches from all over the world will be drawn to train on the course that will be open year round

“Emergency services will also be able to train for swift water rescues.

“There is currently only one specialist white water facility in Australia and that is already 20-years-old.

“To have a top-of-the range, new facility in Queensland is extremely exciting.”

The proposed Logan Whitewater Park aligns with the Logan Destination Management Plan and priorities in Council’s Corporate Plan.

The business case for the facility also aligns with Building Queensland's comprehensive Business Case Development Framework.

That allows the project to be considered by the State and Federal governments for funding consideration as an infrastructure proposal.

Logan City Council is a partner to South-East Council of Mayors’ feasibility study into a possible bid for the 2032 Olympic Games.

Facilities such as a world-class whitewater park and the recently renovated $3.3 million Doug Larsen Park Olympic-standard BMX freestyle facility would put the City of Logan well-placed to be involved in any future major sporting events.

Images: Three-time World Cup freestyle kayak champion Jez Blanchard has endorsed plans to build a world-class whitewater facility in Logan. Courtesy of Peter Holcombe.

4th February 2020 - Proposals sought for commercial activities in Darwin Waterfront’s Recreation Lagoon

13th January 2020 - Logan City Council delivers innovative $3.2 million aquatic playground

9th December 2019 - Queensland announces 2032 Olympic Games bid

19th November 2019 - Gold Coast looks to expand post-Commonwealth Games volunteer network

18th October 2019 - Environmental levy helps secure key Logan green space

25th September 2019 - Gold Coast sport venue welcomes a million patrons since 2018 Commonwealth Games

23rd September 2019 - City of Logan venue to host UCI C1 Freestyle BMX event

17th September 2019 - Logan City Council takes action to protect endangered tree species

8th August 2019 - Brisbane to host major water polo events in lead-up to Tokyo Olympics

31st July 2019 - City of Logan community invited to help boost local platypus population

30th July 2019 - Logan City Council research encourages a more active community

28th June 2019 - City of Logan unveils plans for new $3.3 million aquatic playground

21st June 2019 - Logan City Council advances plans for whitewater venue

6th May 2019 - IOC President Thomas Bach encourages Brisbane 2032 Olympic Games bid

16th March 2019 - Indoor pool and splashpad opened at Beenleigh Aquatic Centre in Logan

26th February 2019 - South East Queensland Mayors reveal details of 2032 Olympic Games vision

22nd August 2017 - Plans move forward for new Western Australian whitewater centre

4th November 2015 - New conference centre an addition to attractions at Wero Whitewater Park

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