Fitzroy River Remains 2032 Olympic Rowing Venue, Assessments Underway
The Fitzroy River in Rockhampton, Queensland, remains the designated location for rowing and canoeing events at the 2032 Brisbane Olympic and Paralympic Games, as affirmed by Queensland officials. International sports federations have expressed support for the venue's feasibility process, which is currently undergoing detailed technical assessments. Discussions have included alternative venue proposals, though the state government maintains its commitment to the Rockhampton site.
Rockhampton Stays Course Amidst Alternative Proposals
Queensland's Deputy Premier, Jarrod Bleijie, has affirmed that the Fitzroy River in Rockhampton is planned to host rowing and canoeing events for the 2032 Brisbane Olympic and Paralympic Games. This stance is maintained amidst ongoing discussions regarding potential alternative locations in south-east Queensland or Sydney.
The City of Moreton Bay Council, located north of Brisbane, proposed a new purpose-built flatwater venue for consideration in February. This proposal received support from World Rowing and Anthea O'Loughlin, Chief Executive of Rowing Queensland.
Moreton Bay Mayor Peter Flannery suggested this proposal could serve as an alternative, citing benefits such as a permanent facility in south-east Queensland with public transport and accommodation access.
Deputy Premier Bleijie has reiterated that no other venues are currently under consideration for these events, stating that this allows planning for the Fitzroy venue to progress.
Technical Assessments Reveal Potential Modifications
The Games Independent Infrastructure and Coordination Authority (GIICA) is conducting feasibility studies and technical assessments of the Fitzroy River, also known as Tunuba. Initial findings from this assessment are reported as positive by Deputy Premier Bleijie. In October, the Rockhampton venue underwent initial testing by GIICA.
Reports from GIICA's feasibility study indicate that substantial work, including potential widening and dredging, may be necessary in sections of the Fitzroy River to ensure consistent water flow and fairness for athletes. GIICA is currently assessing two preferred "field of play" options, with an independent technical analysis pending.
The Queensland government has indicated that a preferred option under evaluation is a 2-kilometer competition course, concluding with a southern finish line downstream towards the Fitzroy Barrage. Details regarding specific river modifications or total construction costs have not been confirmed by the government.
Discussions related to the venue's suitability have noted characteristics of the river, including its tidal nature, bends, current, flood potential, and presence of crocodiles.
International Federations Support Feasibility Process
Officials from World Rowing and the International Canoe Federation (ICF) have expressed support for the Central Queensland venue and are committed to its feasibility process as the proposed Olympic rowing and canoe sprint venue.
World Rowing President Jean-Christophe Rolland and ICF President Thomas Konietzko have publicly supported the venue's development. Both federations have emphasized their dedication to ensuring fair and safe competition, and further technical assessments are anticipated.
World Rowing President Jean-Christophe Rolland stated that fairness and integrity are paramount, acknowledging the assessments completed to date. Mr. Konietzko affirmed the ICF's role in providing technical guidance to ensure athlete needs and competition requirements are central to the planning process.
While expressing commitment to the feasibility process, World Rowing and the ICF have not yet formally approved the Rockhampton venue. Simon Crooks, GIICA Chief Executive, confirmed that detailed planning is underway, focusing on technical considerations, and GIICA will continue working with the international federations to complete a project validation report.
Advancing Planning and Financial Framework
With ongoing assessments, planning is advancing to more detailed design phases for infrastructure upgrades, venue overlays, operational requirements, legacy opportunities, and venue capacity. The Queensland government is collaborating with Games delivery partners, including the federal government, to develop the facility.
All venues for the 2032 Games are intended to be funded within the $7.1 billion agreement renegotiated by the state and federal governments in July. This agreement aims to deliver venues and long-term legacy infrastructure across Queensland beyond 2032.