Moreton Bay Council Advances Plans for Rowing Facility Despite Political Disputes
The City of Moreton Bay has taken a significant step forward in its bid to develop a dedicated rowing facility for the Brisbane 2032 Olympics, despite strong opposition from Queensland’s deputy premier. The council has officially submitted plans for a new rowing venue at a former quarry site in Lawnton, located just north of Brisbane.
Moreton Bay Mayor Peter Flannery emphasized that the proposal is not solely about the 2032 Games but about creating long-term infrastructure that will benefit the community well beyond the event. He highlighted concerns about the suitability of the Fitzroy River for Olympic rowing and stressed the need for an alternative solution.
“This is not about a single moment in 2032. It is about creating infrastructure that is used every day, supports future generations, and leaves Queensland stronger long after the Games are over,” Flannery said.
He described the proposed site as a cost-effective and ready-made solution for hosting international standard flatwater rowing and paddle sports. The location offers excellent public transport access, with Petrie rail station nearby and a half-hour train ride to the Brisbane CBD, as well as under 40 minutes to Brisbane Airport.
At its weekly meeting, the council committed to supporting the development of the precinct in partnership with Boral, the site owner. Boral played a key role in developing the Penrith Lakes facility used during the Sydney 2000 Games.
Flannery outlined additional plans for the site, including:
- A reimagined precinct that will include more recreation and sporting facilities
- An urban koala reserve
- Pedestrian connections to the Moreton Bay Indoor Sports Centre, one of the main 2032 Olympic and Paralympic venues
- A lakeside residential community aimed at addressing the city’s housing shortage
“We are serious. This is about putting forward a credible and well-developed proposal, strongly supported by sporting bodies, delivery partners and athletes, focused on doing what is right for the sport and for Queensland’s legacy beyond the Games,” Flannery said.
The Moreton Bay plan emerged amid ongoing testing of the Fitzroy River by the Games Independent Infrastructure Coordination Authority (GIICA). However, Deputy Premier Jarrod Bleijie dismissed the proposal outright, stating that the Queensland government had already finalized the venue locations in its 2032 delivery plan.
“The Queensland government has decided where the venues are through our 2032 delivery plan, and that’s where they are — it’s not changing,” Bleijie said.
When asked about the host contract, which gives the International Olympic Committee final approval for the venues, Bleijie insisted the government would not budge.
“Rowing is going to be in Rocky. If they don’t want it in Rocky, it ain’t happening,” he said.
Bleijie added that early results from GIICA’s testing were positive and that there was no indication of resistance from the International Federation of Rowing or the IOC.
“I’ve had no indication that there would be anything but support for rowing in Rocky from the International Federation [of Rowing] or the IOC,” he said.
A spokesperson from Rowing Australia declined to comment on the proposal at this time.
The Crisafulli government’s decision to prioritize Rockhampton for rowing has drawn criticism, as it contradicts the findings of GIICA’s 100-day review, which recommended that Olympic rowing be held in Penrith.
