Despite concerns and ongoing discussions, the Queensland government has firmly stated that the Fitzroy River in Rockhampton will host the rowing and canoeing events for the Brisbane 2032 Olympic Games. This declaration comes amid reports that these two Olympic sports might be relocated from the central Queensland river to venues in the state’s south-east.
Olympics Minister Tim Mander has been vocal in his commitment, telling the ABC, “Rowing will be in Rockhampton, as per the 2032 Delivery Plan.” The Fitzroy River’s selection as a venue was met with controversy last year, particularly after Premier David Crisafulli had championed the Brisbane 2032 Games as “a Queensland Games for all of Queensland.”
However, the international governing bodies for rowing, World Rowing, and canoeing, the International Canoe Federation (ICF), have not yet officially approved the venue. The primary reason cited is that the Fitzroy River has not met the stringent technical specifications required for international competition.
The debate surrounding the renewed promise to keep the events in Rockhampton intensified on Tuesday. These discussions followed suggestions that alternative sites, both within Queensland and in other states, were being considered.
Speaking from within Queensland Parliament, Minister Mander asserted that the state government, not the International Olympic Committee (IOC), dictates the location of these venues. He was unequivocal in his stance, stating, “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 speculation about Olympic officials seeking to move the rowing and canoeing events away from the city as “nonsense.” She confidently stated, “Rockhampton will proudly host Olympic and Paralympic rowing on the Fitzroy River as outlined in the 2032 Delivery Plan. We are getting on with the job of delivering a remarkable event that showcases our region to the world and leaves a lasting legacy for growth.”
A Commitment to Regional Venues
The Rockhampton venue underwent initial testing by the state’s Games Independent Infrastructure and Coordination Authority (GICCA) in October, and it passed these preliminary assessments.
Despite this, a joint statement issued to the ABC by World Rowing president Jean-Christophe Rolland and ICF president Thomas Konietzko indicated that the organisations were not yet prepared to give the final go-ahead for the Fitzroy River. They emphasised their commitment to ensuring “fair and safe competition.”
Premier David Crisafulli has previously voiced his intention to invest in regional areas, aiming to establish legacy venues for the 2032 Olympics. He acknowledged that moving the rowing event to Sydney had been recommended but expressed his belief in the “legacy play” and the importance of seizing this opportunity.
A Proven Track Record
The Fitzroy River site is not new to high-level sporting events. It has previously served as a staging camp for the Australian rowing team, including preparations for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.
In February, officials from World Rowing and the ICF, accompanied by members of the 2032 Organising Committee, toured Rockhampton. This visit occurred while the river was experiencing flooding conditions.
Deputy Premier Jarrod Bleijie reported that the rowing officials were impressed with the region’s potential. He reaffirmed the state government’s unwavering position on hosting events in Rockhampton and other regional locations, indicating no intention to alter these plans. The government appears determined to leverage the 2032 Games to showcase and develop Queensland’s diverse regions, ensuring a broad-reaching impact beyond the immediate host city. This approach aligns with the broader vision of making the Olympics a truly statewide event.
