PADDLE Australia board director and former Redlander Andrew Trim said a whitewater facility at the Birkdale Community Precinct would open up opportunities for the sport.
Mr Trim is a triple Olympian, having competed in canoe sprints in Barcelona, Atlanta and Sydney, winning bronze (Atlanta) and silver (Sydney) medals in the K2 500m.
Living in Thorneside at the time, he trained on Tingalpa Creek for the 1996 Olympic Games in Atlanta.
"So many kilometres and hours were spent on that stretch of water," he said.
He said an Olympic-standard canoe slalom course in Queensland created increased opportunities for high-performance athletes to train for major events on a reliable world class facility.
"This in itself is a major benefit.
"Having access to a course such as this would help Paddle Australia develop stronger pathways for our younger athletes; consistent access to a quality course is critical for the development of junior elite athletes," he said.
Mayor Karen Williams said council was committed to providing an adventure sports precinct in the Redlands.
"Part of an adventure sports precinct could be an Olympic-standard canoe slalom course that could be used for the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games should south-east Queensland be the host," she said.
She said the integrated aquatic centre would include a world championship-level 50m pool while adventure sports facilities could include high ropes, zip lines, rock climbing, professional skateboarding, a lagoon and water play features.
Council has asked the community what it wants to see on the land.
Mr Trim believes having a course would increase participation in the recreational side of paddling.
"Rafting, freestyle paddling and increased exposure to schools and recreational clubs would benefit the entire south-east Queensland community.
"An adventure sports precinct's legacy beyond a potential Olympic Games would involve the attraction of international competitions," he said.
For more information on the Birkdale Community Precinct, visit yoursay.redland.qld.gov.au.
Consultation on Birkdale Community Precinct closes on May 4.
