Olympic Rowing and Canoeing Events to Take Place on Crocodile-Inhabited River in 2032
The Queensland government has confirmed that a crocodile-inhabited river, known for its flooding risks, will be the venue for Olympic rowing and canoeing events during the 2032 Games. This decision has sparked significant discussion, especially after reports suggested that the events might be relocated from the Fitzroy River in Rockhampton to the state’s south-east.
Olympics Minister Tim Mander emphasized that “rowing will be in Rockhampton, as per the 2032 Delivery Plan,” according to a statement made to the ABC. The Fitzroy River was initially a controversial choice when it was first announced last year, with Premier David Crisafulli stating that the Brisbane 2032 Games would be “a Queensland Games for all of Queensland.”
However, World Rowing and the International Canoe Federation (ICF) have yet to approve the venue due to concerns about the waterway not meeting the technical standards required for international competition. Despite this, the debate over the renewed commitment to host the events in Rockhampton continues.
Mr. Mander clarified that the state government is responsible for determining the venues, not the International Olympic Committee (IOC). He stated, “I can categorically say the rowing won’t be held in Sydney. The rowing won’t be held in Moreton Bay, the rowing will not be held on the Gold Coast, the rowing will be held in Rockhampton.”
Donna Kirkland, the Member for Rockhampton, dismissed any speculation about moving the events away from the city. She said, “Rockhampton will proudly host Olympic and Paralympic rowing on the Fitzroy River as outlined in the 2032 Delivery Plan.” She added that the region is focused on delivering a remarkable event that showcases its potential to the world and leaves a lasting legacy for growth.
Testing and Concerns
In October, the Rockhampton venue passed initial testing by the state’s Games Independent Infrastructure and Coordination Authority (GICCA). However, a joint statement from World Rowing president Jean-Christophe Rolland and ICF president Thomas Konietzko indicated that the groups were not ready to give the go-ahead for the Fitzroy River. They emphasized their commitment to ensuring “fair and safe competition.”
Premier David Crisafulli has previously mentioned that funding will be directed towards regional areas to support legacy venues for the 2032 Olympics. He stated, “It had been recommended to move the [rowing] event to Sydney, but I believe there is a legacy play and we must grab that.”
The site has served as a staging camp for major events for the Australian rowing team, including before the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. In February, World Rowing and ICF officials toured Rockhampton with members of the 2032 Organising Committee while the river was in flood. Deputy Premier Jarrod Bleijie noted that rowing officials were impressed with the region’s potential.
He reiterated the state government’s stance that it will not change its position on hosting events in Rockhampton and other regional venues. The decision to hold the events on the Fitzroy River remains a focal point of discussion, balancing the need for suitable facilities with the desire to showcase regional Queensland.
