The Fitzroy River in Rockhampton, Queensland, has been approved as a venue for rowing and canoeing at the 2032 Brisbane Olympic and Paralympic Games following an independent technical assessment.
The river, located about 600 kilometres north of Brisbane, had faced months of scrutiny over its suitability for elite competition. Concerns included strong currents, flooding risks, changing water conditions and the availability of accommodation for athletes and spectators.
The Fitzroy is also a known habitat for saltwater crocodiles, adding another unusual challenge to preparations for the Games. However, the threat posed by crocodiles was not part of the technical assessment. Officials have previously said procedures would be established to manage crocodile sightings during events.
World Rowing and Paddle Worldwide endorsed the venue after reviewing the findings of the independent assessment. The study examined river flows, water levels, wind conditions and other environmental factors during the proposed period of the Games.
World Rowing president Jean-Christophe Rolland said the assessment was designed to determine whether the course could provide fair and equal conditions for athletes.
The review concluded that the river could meet the requirements for Olympic and Paralympic rowing competition. Paddle Worldwide also said the assessment provided greater confidence that the venue could deliver suitable conditions for canoe sprint events.
The planned course includes a 2.7-kilometre section of the river, providing enough distance for a standard 2,000-metre rowing race as well as the necessary start and finish areas.
The decision ends months of debate over whether the rowing events should instead be moved to a purpose-built facility closer to Brisbane. Thousands of people had supported calls for an alternative venue, citing concerns about the Fitzroy River’s conditions and the logistics of hosting the events in regional Queensland.
The Queensland government has defended the Rockhampton venue and said the technical assessment provides a basis for moving ahead with detailed planning and construction.
The Fitzroy River will host rowing, para rowing, canoe sprint and para canoe events during the Brisbane 2032 Games.
With the venue now endorsed, organisers are expected to proceed with detailed design and operational planning as preparations for the Games continue.
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