Redland City Community Information

03/09/2024

02/09/2024

♦️Queensland Community Safety Bill 2024♦️
Introduced by: Hon M Ryan MP on 1/5/2024
PASSED with amendment on 22/8/2024
According to the Minister for Police and Community Safety;
Important elements of the Community Safety Plan for Queensland include:

✅️Expanding electronic monitoring of young offenders
✅️Expanding Jack’s Law
✅️Cracking down on posting and boasting on social media
✅️The introduction of Fi****ms Prohibition Order Scheme
✅️Strengthening hooning laws
✅️New offences for ramming an emergency vehicle and;
✅️Removing detention as a last resort

link to Pdf of the Bill
⬇️⬇️
https://documents.parliament.qld.gov.au/bills/2024/3202/5724T722-44e5.pdf

https://documents.parliament.qld.gov.au/bills/2024/3202/5724T723-6521.pdf

Policy objectives and the reasons for them:
The overarching objective of the Queensland Community Safety Bill 2024 (the Bill) is to enhance community safety by implementing comprehensive measures to optimise and strengthen law enforcement capabilities and efficiencies, improve crime prevention strategies, and address key issues affecting public security and wellbeing. Through a combination of proactive strategies and targeted interventions, the proposed measures in this Bill support the Queensland Government’s commitment to enhancing public safety and security.

Queensland Law Society made a submission on the Bill, which can be found here
⬇️⬇️
https://documents.parliament.qld.gov.au/com/CSLAC-40FE/QCSB2024-F5ED/submissions/00000211.pdf

https://www.qlsproctor.com.au/2024/08/community-safety-bill-passed/

Media Statement from the Miles Government
Published Thursday, 22 August, 2024
⬇️⬇️
https://statements.qld.gov.au/statements/101142

02/09/2024

Australians Calmly Rejecting Rage Bait is one of the many pages I follow.
While I don't agree with everything they share on their page...i think its important to read things from others people perspectives even if their not 100% aligned with my views....
💯💥They're 100% Labor Party preferred as far as I can tell.
Regardless....
I think this is well worth the read.

Every so often Reddit lays a golden egg like this one. Have a read of this if you've forgotten why Queensland Labor is worth fighting for.

💪 This is what the QLD Labor party have accomplished since 2015, courtesy of [u/patslogcabindigest]

"The Queensland Labor government from 2015 have enacted many significant progressive reforms from their time in government. This idea that they’ve been a middle of the road do nothing government until 6 months out from the election is so wrong. Queensland has surpassed New South Wales and I’m pretty sure Victoria as well when it comes to renewable energy.

They have consistently had the most ambitious state level targets and had very well thought out and planned policies for the transition - the Energy and Jobs plan, effectively a jobs guarantee for coal towns losing jobs. Disaster response is the Australian gold standard. The early warning systems for cyclones is absolute class. They send up reporters from the south to cover cyclones, they make all this fuss about it, but the locals are super chill and orderly. This government also deciminalised abortion and have since expanded its availability, a key initiative of the party and then Deputy Premier Jackie Trad, who was also Queensland’s most vocal same-s*x marriage advocate during the plebiscite. That wasn’t enough social reform for Queensland Labor as the next social reform was VAD and recently decriminalising s*x work. On abortion and VAD, Queensland, the so-called hick state beat New South Wales to implementing these reforms.

Queensland has consistently been one of the best performing state economies in Australia and that isn’t just because of mining either. It was one of the best performing governments during COVID, it did not go as hard as Western Australia did, but still got good results, while also not becoming a so-called ‘hermit state’. When the then Morrison government completely botched the vaccine rollout, the Palaszczuk government intervened and took control over the state’s vaccine rollout. It was one of the first states to rollout public vaccination clinics and did so in the space of weeks.

The state’s popularity, in part due to the very good government, is also it’s curse as it’s had to deal with the fastest population growth by any state, not from overseas but from interstate, even before COVID. Which have exacerbated housing price issues. Their solution to this, being the prefab homes scheme, was a first in this country and one that other states are now investigating. This is without even getting into massive public works projects like Cross River Rail, and the fact they have raised mining royalties twice in a mining state.

For workers Queensland Public Service has consistently been the best in Australia to work for. The Palaszczuk government, learned a heavy lesson from the defeat of Bligh and really went in on rebuilding relationships with unions. The QPS has consistently received wage increases equal to or greater over the course of their term in government, and in recent periods of high inflation where it exceeded their wages, they received cost of living adjustments based on CPI. Health services and wages modernised, privatised services reintegrated into public, and done all this while running a stable state budget despite the LNP saying otherwise.

This state Labor government has honestly been one of the best and people don’t know how good they’ve had it. Eventually, all good things come to an end, and there’s an ‘it’s time’ factor at play. The media will attack them massively overblown crime statistics and pin it all on youths, despite the data showing the opposite, and a bit of a mess with the Olympics.. which honestly. The government would’ve been better off completely ignoring the Greens nimby opposition to the Gabba being rebuilt and just kept that plan as it’s clearly on every metric better than either the Victoria Park or QSAC proposals. And honestly f**k Cricket Australia and the AFL for despite years of lobbying for a new stadium running and hiding like that from the public, leaving the government out to dry when they had what they wanted, gutless cowards that they are. Good job, now you get nothing and the stadium expires in 2035.

It is extremely unfair to suggest that the Queensland Labor government is progressive only now that they’re staring down defeat. They have not only been a highly competent and a consistently progressive government from day dot, they are more than arguably far more progressive than other state Labor governments in this same period of time including Dandrew’s Democratic People’s Republic of Victoria, Commissar Barr’s glorified LGA masquerading as a state (which the Greens are a part of themselves), and more progressive than past Queensland Labor governments. Beatie and Bligh definitely, and arguably even Goss. This state government basically did most of what the Greens are constantly whine about and without even having to consult with them, doing deals for votes or powersharing arrangements. I honestly wish the federal government were this methodical. In this house we respect the wine mum premier of the subtropics, her government, and the now jacked premier’s government. I have to ask, have you being paying attention at all or are you from the south and just pay Queensland no mind. God bless the Queensland Labor Party and I hope the next 4 years aren’t too rough for the workers of this state, because all indicators suggest it’ll be quite brutal. Maybe then people will remember how good they had it."

02/09/2024

"Same Crime. No Time" was on the Front Page of the Courier Mail Today.
I could not help myself, I had to google this slogan...

What I found I would like to share with you all...

First I came across a 912 page document called:

Same Crime. Same Time Report

What is it? So glad you asked- 🙂

It's a Sentencing of Federal Offenders REPORT 103 Published April 2006
Inside there is a section-
Part H: Special Categories of Federal Offenders
On page 25 it states:
"Part H examines a number of issues that arise in the sentencing, administration
and release of federal offenders who may be considered vulnerable or disadvantaged.”

Chapter 27 discusses the sentencing of young federal offenders.

please see comments for more info..

Other recommendations in Chapter 28 are aimed at reforming existing laws relating to these offenders. [Page 25, Same Crime same time report]

There's also a very very long list of Recommendations which start on Page 27.
I was curious about those relating to Juveniles- Which is within
"Part H Special Categories of Federal Offenders" So I skipped to Page 57 - There's 3.5 pages to read which relate to young offenders - A total of 4 recommendations.
Link to Pdf here:

https://www.alrc.gov.au/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/ALRC103.pdf

I also found The Media Release from Thursday, 22 June 2006: Australia ’s system for sentencing federal offenders should be significantly overhauled to provide greater consistency, fairness and clarity, according to a major report by the Australian Law Reform Commission (ALRC) tabled today in federal Parliament.

https://www.alrc.gov.au/news/same-crime-same-time-alrc-calls-for-consistency-in-federal-sentencing/

In July 2004, the federal Attorney-General, the Hon Philip Ruddock MP, asked the ALRC to examine the laws and practices governing sentencing of federal offenders, that is, people convicted of criminal offences set out in Commonwealth, rather than state and territory, legislation.

https://www.alrc.gov.au/inquiry/sentencing-of-federal-offenders

Is this the latest LNP slogan? Not very original.

02/09/2024

Do you think a flag can damage stradbroke islands reputation as a tourist spot? Henry Pike MP states Locals are furious (screenshot 1 wĥich was his comment on Amanda Stokers post which is screenshot 2. Screenshot 3 is from Callen Sorensen Karklis - Greens Candidate for Oodgeroo's post regarding the flag.

What does Stoker mean by "consistent with the communities standards"? It's a flag.

I am curious though to know- What are us locals furious about when it comes to a Palestine flag?

If you are interested to know what the Courier Mail article is all about, please read on...

Judith Kerr on August 22nd 2024
"Tourists and residents claim a Palestinian flag flying above a waterfront road on North Stradbroke Island is deterring visitors to the beachside resort.

The black, white, red and green flag was erected by the Quandamooka Yoolooburrabee Aboriginal Corporation on land owned by the state Transport Department.

It is on a 20m flagpole on the footpath on Ballow Rd, opposite the bakery at Dunwich about 50m from another flagpole which flies the Indigenous red, yellow and black flag.

The flag was erected in November, weeks after a brutal armed conflict between Israel and Hamas-led Palestinian militant groups in the Gaza Strip and Israel on October 7.

A second, similar, flagpole was erected at Point Lookout at the entrance of the Gorge Walk but was later vandalised with a grinder used to saw it down from the base.

Businesses who are members of the local Chamber of Commerce, said they were concerned the flag and flagpole at Dunwich were damaging the island’s reputation as a carefree holiday escape.

The matter was raised in state parliament this week after an anonymous tourist posted a complaint that the flag was “inappropriate” on the tourist website, TripAdvisor.
“Possibly my last trip to Straddie. My first was 66 years ago as a 12-year-old,” the post said.
“The ferry trip was great as it always is. My disappointment was triggered by the Palestinian flag flying alongside the Aboriginal flag on top of the hill opposite the shops.
“What the Palestinian flag can possibly have to do with the administration of Straddie is beyond me.
“One thing is certain, I will never return whilst that flag flies.”

LNP MP Mark Robinson, whose Oodgeroo electorate covers Minjerribah, North Stradbroke Island, called on Transport Minister Bart Mellish to “immediately” remove the flag after writing to the government in July.

https://www.couriermail.com.au/questnews/redlands/demands-for-inappropriate-palestinian-flags-to-be-removed-from-tourist-island/news-story/71f50c81ef75eeb5bca69011b7caa63e

Are you angry about this?

Fact checking the myths on Dutton's Palestinian visa ban
https://independentaustralia.net/politics/politics-display/fact-checking-the-myths-on-duttons-palestinian-visa-ban,18896

Independent MP Zali Steggall blasts Peter Dutton over 'racist' visa comments
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-08-15/independent-mp-zali-steggall-blasts-peter-dutton/104227924

Backlash over Dutton's call to ban fleeing Palestinians from Australia
https://www.sbs.com.au/news/article/peter-duttons-call-to-ban-fleeing-palestinians-from-australia-sparks-backlash/v9y0mxph4

Dutton and Albanese's immigration brawl over Palestinian visas is obscuring a deeper and genuinely alarming question
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-08-21/palestinian-refugee-debate-immigration/10424715

02/09/2024

According to humanrights.gov.au
“Our communities will not be safer if we just keep punishing and locking up children who have complex needs caused by poverty, homelessness, disability, health and mental health issues, domestic, family and s*xual violence, systemic racism and intergenerational trauma.

There is decades of Australian and international evidence explaining that there are better ways to reduce child offending.

humanrights.gov.au state:
“our governments – swayed by populist ‘tough on crime’ rhetoric fanned by sensationalist media reporting of child offending – are taking the opposite approach with children being traumatised, brutalised and criminalised.”

Did you know It costs over $1 million every year to lock up a child, and most will continue to reoffend because their basic needs are not being met.
humanrights.gov.au state “This money could instead be spent on redesigning the service systems that are meant to help children and their families.”
They explain, “If we want safe communities where children can get the best start in life, then we need to transform our approach to child justice and wellbeing. We need national leadership from the federal government working together with our state and territory governments.
“There should be bipartisan commitment to make child safety and wellbeing a priority for National Cabinet, and to build the necessary accountability mechanisms to make sure our most vulnerable children do not continue to be victims of ‘federation failure’.
“The Prime Minister has said many times that he wants ‘no-one left behind’. These vulnerable children who end up in the justice systems told me they feel shunned by society, and currently we are leaving them behind every single day.
humanrights.gov.au

You can read their Media Release & Recommendations for reform
Published: Tuesday 20 August, 2024

This report recommends what the national reform should be driven by & can be accessed here:
https://humanrights.gov.au/our-work/childrens-rights/publications/help-way-earlier

To read about the
Campaign to Raise the Age
In Australia, primary school aged children can be sent to prison.
The Human Rights Law Centre is calling for all states and territories to raise
the age criminal responsibility from 10 to at least 14.
https://www.hrlc.org.au/reports-news-commentary/raise-the-age

Guardian Article
https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/article/2024/aug/02/queensland-community-safety-bill-human-rights-act-youth-detention

Read Help way earlier, a report by the National Children's Commissioner on how Australia can transform child justice to improve safety and wellbeing.

01/09/2024

A soccer-loving businessman behind LNP election donations told a court he helped introduce Opposition Leader David Crisafulli to run a training company that later collapsed.

The testimony, contained in transcripts obtained by the ABC, has emerged after Mr Crisafulli this month denied the failed business had links to the LNP or donors.

The businessman was Rabieh Krayem, a jobs entrepreneur who had been chairman of Townsville's Northern Fury Football Club and now heads the Wynnum Wolves.

He owned half the training business when Mr Crisafulli was appointed.

"I don't have any comment, it would be greatly appreciated if you don't make any contact with me," Mr Krayem told the ABC.

Southern Edge Training was not itself a political donor. But the company’s collapse has come under scrutiny in an otherwise smooth pre-election ride for Mr Crisafulli.

Southern Edge traded as SET Solutions and taught skills from hospitality to forklift driving. It had long struggled financially before Mr Crisafulli took over as sole director from December 1, 2015 to April 1, 2016.

Liquidators were appointed on June 30, 2016.

https://amp.abc.net.au/article/104260454

You can read the full article here:

31/08/2024

♥️✨️ H a p p y F a t h e r s D a y ✨️ ♥️

To dads & blokes within the tribe,
Thanks for all you do to help us thrive,
We hope you have a special day
Whatever you do
Just be you
(& thanks for teaching us to play)

31/08/2024

The following was an update from the office of Kim Richards Member for Redlands regarding the Cleveland Redland Bay Road update.
⬇️⬇️⬇️
I absolutely appreciate locals frustration (travelling the road myself multiple times each day) that with the works escalating significantly around the Benfer Road intersection we are seeing a large increase in delays and traffic build up. This was similar to delays experienced during the works for the Anita street intersection upgrade as it neared completion.

I fought to get this road duplicated, that the LNP before me weren’t considering until 2025. As TMR outlined from the get go, duplicating this working road was always going to be a very complex project. Involving the relocation of underground energy, communications, water and sewerage service relocations as well as crossing a waterway.

In my most recent meeting with the Department, TMR have advised of an operational ready date, meaning cars on the duplicated road, in August (weather permitting) with full project completion (landscaping, pedestrian and minor works) later in the year around October.

We are nearing completion of the $110M stage 1 duplication and will be moving into the $80M stage 2 Anita St to Giles Road piece.

Again, I feel and experience everyone’s frustration and am grateful for your patience as we approach the completion of stage 1. Duplicating this road is an important project for the southern Redlands, particularly as it continues to grow.

[End quote]
This update was released 14th June 2024

30/08/2024

A local Redlanders opinion published by National Times 😀
Great read!

29/08/2024

Natalie Merlehan, a victim of a car crash caused by a 17 year old in Alexandra Hills January 26, 2021 Never got to tell her story. Now Ms Merlehan is an advocate with IMAC- The Governments Independent Ministerial Advisory Council - one of the measures announced to tackle crime in the years since the crash.

IMAC was formed in November 2023 & was established to offer its advice and guidance on reforming the criminal justice system and improving support for victims and victim-survivors, particularly in relation to youth crime.

The members include victim-survivors, victim advocates, representatives from the legal sector and peak advocacy bodies, First Nations leaders and expert practitioners.
They are committed to using their shared expertise to improve the lives of Queenslanders.

The following is transcribed from the Courier Mail Article- Published on August 26, 2024 (Link below)
"Kate Leadbetter and Matthew Field crash: Witness shares untold story of the tragedy that rocked Queensland"

What Happened to Natalie:
Natalie Merlehan was driving with her four-year-old daughter and husband in Alexandra Hills on January 26, 2021 when a drunk and high 17-year-old with a lengthy criminal history ran a red light and slammed a stolen LandCruiser into her car.

The teenager’s vehicle then ploughed into pedestrians Ms Leadbetter and partner Matthew Field as they walked their dogs – and despite her own injuries, Ms Merlehan got out of the car and immediately began to help alongside an off-duty paramedic before ambulances arrived.

After the accident:
It emerged the 17 year old had a lengthy criminal history, including more than 100 offences, and had finished a probation order for other offending just weeks before the horror crash.

The Offender:
He was later sentenced to 10 years in jail for manslaughter, but will be released on Australia Day 2027 – despite the Attorney-General’s attempts to appeal for a longer sentence.

Where is Natalie now:
Ms Merlehan is now on the government’s Independent Ministerial Advisory Council (IMAC) – as a victim representative.

She said she hopes to create change after feeling let down as a victim herself.

Ms Merlehan said her first thought was to protect her daughter.

After the incident, Ms Merlehan was locked in a legal battle with her insurer. She was not covered because the offender was uninsured as the car was stolen, and she was also not entitled to any help from the government.

“My incident was categorised as a crime against property, so I’m actually not counted as a victim at all,” Ms Merlehan said.

“My car that got hit is counted as a loss of property, which means that I’m not entitled to assistance from the government, or assistance through victims of crime.”

Having recently joined the IMAC, Ms Merlehan said she was hoping to create change after she felt let down as a victim herself.

“I unfortunately, wasn’t given the opportunity to go to court or give a victim impact statement, and I really wish that I’d been given that opportunity,” she said.

“I wasn’t even aware of the trial date. I tried to get details, but because it was a juvenile, they had more of a focus on Matt and Kate’s family, which I understand.

“Obviously they lost people in that, but I also suffered long-term injuries, and my family was in the car, and we could have quite as easily have been in the exact same position.”

Ms Merlehan said it was frustrating to not be included as a victim.

“I feel like that would have been healing in a way, to be able to at least be in court,” she said.

Coming from a criminology background, and being a victim, Ms Merlehan said she felt like she could make some change on the committee.

“My passion is in making sure that victims are getting equal rights to perpetrators, because at the moment, that’s not what’s happening with assistance post-incident, going through the court process and things like that,” she said.

“We also really need to spend more time looking at what’s causing the offending and how we can intervene earlier.”

Ms Merlehan will go to Townsville next week with IMAC, where they will look at local organisations and services that focus on crime.

Since the incident, Ms Merlehan has kept in touch with Russell and Ann Field, the parents of Matthew.

She said the couple, who now strongly campaign to address the youth crime crisis, were “incredible”.

https://www.couriermail.com.au/news/queensland/kate-leadbetter-and-matthew-field-crash-witness-shares-untold-story-of-the-tragedy-that-rocked-queensland/news-story/c609428127e9d3505cc9a835eff6e483

https://www.ministerialadvisorycouncil.qld.gov.au/news/communique/2024-july
https://www.ministerialadvisorycouncil.qld.gov.au/about

29/08/2024

Russell Field will be the LNP candidate for Capalaba.
This seat is currently held by Don Brown MP
Russell is the Father of Mathew Field, he & his wife Kate Leadbetter & baby Miles tragically taken from earth too soon in Alex Hills by a youth offender.

Published August 10, 2024 by Courier mail: Mr Field, who lives in Belmont and is a member of the vocal Voice for Victims group, is yet to be officially endorsed as the LNP candidate, but LNP sources have confirmed he has officially submitted his nomination. A previous LNP candidate, Bianca Kemp, has withdrawn to look after her ill daughter. Mr Don Brown is also on the record in 2022 for slamming the “insufficient” sentence handed to the teen who killed Kate and Matthew Field and urged the then Attorney-General to appeal the decision

See comments for more information.

28/08/2024

September issue of the Community Leader is out & they have published "Redland City has a New Greens Team"

The candidates are:

Donna Weston (Capalaba)
https://www.facebook.com/DonnaWestonTheGreens?mibextid=ZbWKwL

Kristie Lockhart (Redlands)
https://www.facebook.com/KristieLockhartGreens?mibextid=ZbWKwL

Cal Sorensen Karklis (Oodgeroo)
https://www.facebook.com/CallenSorensenKarklisGreens?mibextid=ZbWKwL

The Free BBQs are from 11am:
Cal (Oodgeroo) September 8 in GJ Walter Park
Donna (Capalaba) September 15 in Beth Boyd Park
Kristie (Redlands) September 22 in Thornlands Community Park

The three state election candidates for The Greens recently spoke at the Redlands Town Hall meeting on the 19th August.
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/ribuQCG4Yrrz9EYN/?mibextid=oFDknk

link to Community Leader
https://thecommunityleader.com.au/issue-type/community-leader-issues/

28/08/2024

Premier Steven Miles, Cameron Dick MP, Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner join RACQ Managing Director and Group CEO David Carter along with Don Brown MP , Mayor Jos Mitchell Mayor Jon Raven at a press conference in Redlands today.
Watch press conference:
https://www.facebook.com/share/v/C5MKYyjoBfnnvTLU/?mibextid=oFDknk

28/08/2024

Carly Mulheran launched a petition for a rule to give parents and nurses the power to call for an immediate medical intervention if they deem their child or a patient is in a life-threatening situation and feel their concerns aren't being heard, further adding to Ryan's Rule. Carly explains in her petition 'Zaras rule' is in addition to Ryan's rule we are not wanting to replace Ryan's rule. I am just trying to grow on it, for families who believe their child is in a life-or-death situation like zara was.

Why this petition matters?
https://www.change.org/p/implement-zara-s-rule-in-emergency-departments-and-wards

If this resonates with you and you would like to support Carly to Implement Zara's Rule in Emergency Departments and Wards or if you would like further info:
https://www.parliament.qld.gov.au/Work-of-the-Assembly/Petitions/Petition-Details?id=4159
Closing Date: 6/9/2024

9News Article
https://www.9news.com.au/national/search-for-answers-after-child-dies-in-hospital-despite-ryans-rule-intervention/d8a016a0-0ce3-4073-94dc-92dde57059cf

Info about Ryans Rule
https://www.qld.gov.au/health/support/shared-decision-making/ryans-rule

Implement Zara's Rule in Emergency Departments and Wards

26/08/2024

Hold onto your shopping bags, Capalaba! Redland Investment Corp (RIC), Redland City Council, and the Shayher Group are teaming up for a multi-million-dollar facelift of a 1.55-hectare plot in the heart of town—yes, that’s the space behind Capalaba Central Shopping Centre. Think of it as the ultimate makeover show, but for a whole neighborhood.
Since October 2022, the Council, RIC, and Shayher Group have been cooking up plans to turn this area into Capalaba's urban wonderland. We're talking a bustling employment hub, a public space so innovative it might make your smartphone jealous, and a variety of dining, retail, and entertainment options that will keep you busy from dawn to dusk.
Now, here’s where it gets a little bit like a house party where the furniture has to move out: Stage 1 of this project just got the green light! This stage includes a shiny new library that will make your old one look like a bookmobile, a community arts space that could turn anyone into an artist, a new customer service center, and three floors of office space where everyone will be fighting over the corner desk.
Construction kicks off in early 2025, which means the current library and Customer Service Centre will need to temporarily pack up and crash at Capalaba Central Shopping Centre starting late 2024. Think of it as a little shuffle to give our developers a clean slate for all the cool new buildings. The Mayor assures us that this temporary move is just part of the plan to make way for something truly spectacular. Who is excited for this!!??


Library to temporarily relocate while work starts on Capalaba revitalisation - Redlands Coast Today

Capalaba Town Centre Revitalisation Project | Redland City Council

CAPALABA TOWN CENTRE – Redland Investment Corporation (redlandinvestcorp.com.au)

25/08/2024

Why aren't these 6 councillors who voted to continue support of White water talking about this...If they won't, then I will...

Lets talk about The Redland Resilience Training Centre (RRTC) | Birkdale Community Precinct | Part of Hub 6- The Recreation, Resilience and Adventure Sports Hub

On Page 24 of The Foundation report (available on Redland City Council Website) it states:

The Redland Resilience Training Centre (RRTC) presents significant legacy opportunities as a natural hazard resilience training facility for State, national and Asia Pacific emergency services personnel.

As we continue to battle with the effects and unpredictability of climate change, the RRTC and its surrounds could provide the opportunity for a unique and worldclass centre of excellence for natural hazards resilience training.

The state-of-the-art complex would provide an environment for swift water and flood rescue training including emergency boat operations, and submerged vehicle rescues. A purpose-built third channel to the whitewater facility could be flanked by mock structures that could be flooded to simulate conditions for evacuation training and entering submerged carparks, cars and drains.

There is currently a shortage of swift water training facilities in the Australian-Pacific region, resulting in emergency services personnel having to travel to access these sorts of facilities. International examples include the New York Preparedness Training Centre in Oriskany, United States of America. These training areas have further value as exterior filming locations for swift and still water scenes.
[end quote]

However in an article published by the ABC in 2020 it stated:

Queensland's Fire and Rescue Service has resumed Swiftwater rescue training on what it considers one of the world's most demanding courses, the Tully River.
Queensland Fire and Rescue has used the site for more than a decade.
"This is arguably the best training location in the southern hemisphere, if not the world. I believe the instructor group have developed a course that is second to none," said instructor John Roche.
"We've travelled all through Tasmania, Victoria, we've looked for other locations — there's no other location like the Tully Gorge."
source:
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-12-06/queensland-swiftwater-rescue-training-for-la-nina-flood-season/12939152

In May 2022- published by Redlands Coast Today
"Redland Whitewater Centre ideal for swift-water rescue training"
“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.
Source: https://www.redlandscoasttoday.com.au/2022/05/redland-whitewater-centre-ideal-for-swift-water-rescue-training/
*Plese take note of the image used in this article above published by Council. Not at all accurate.

In Feb 2023 published by Paddle Australia it stated:
Penrith Whitewater Stadium and Sydney International Regatta Centre will receive $6.7 million from the NSW Government to upgrade the facilities ahead of the International Canoe Federation’s Canoe Slalom World Championships.
“Penrith is the national home of paddle sports and will now host a world championship,” said State Member for Penrith, Stuart Ayres. “These funds will not only ensure a wonderful event but will breathe new life into a critical Olympic venue.
“It’s produced one Olympic Gold Medallist in Jessica Fox and I hope it produces many more as we charge towards the next Australian Olympics in 2032.
“The $3.1 million upgrade to Penrith Whitewater Stadium will ensure the facility is not just ready to host the Canoe Slalom World Championships in 2025 but guarantee it is the best World Championships ever.”

Source:
https://paddle.org.au/2023/02/21/penriths-whitewater-and-regatta-venues-get-upgraded-for-world-championships/

On August 16th, Redlands 2030 posted some interesting facts- they said "seems that the water is NOT too cold for paddling at this time of the year at Penrith White water centre. So quite suitable for holding canoe slalom events for the 2032 olympics"
Link below

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/McUHnQqWAyfKYFUc/?mibextid=oFDknk