Olympic Rowing Approved
IOC Approves Fitzroy River in Queensland for 2032 Olympic Rowing Events
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Queensland Deputy Premier Jarrod Bleijie said the proposed course occupies a 2.7-kilometre section of the Fitzroy River, providing the required 2,000-metre racing distance plus space for starting and finishing infrastructure.
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The Games Independent Infrastructure and Coordination Authority is expected to complete its investigations and submit a final project-validation report to the Queensland government in the coming months; concept design was reported to be about 80% complete.
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World Rowing President Jean-Christophe Rolland said the technical analysis showed the Fitzroy River could provide competition conditions consistent with Olympic and Paralympic rowing requirements during the Games period.
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Premier David Crisafulli characterized the approval as a commitment to holding major international events in regional Queensland, saying, “We back in regional Queensland — no ifs, no buts.”
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The course assessment was conducted by Waterproof, described by the Queensland government as an international marine-engineering firm regularly engaged by World Rowing and Paddle Worldwide to assess competition courses and sites.
The International Olympic Committee has approved Rockhampton's Fitzroy River as the venue for rowing and canoe events at the 2032 Brisbane Olympic and Paralympic Games. Queensland State Government said independent technical reviews found the site safe and fair for competition on a full eight-lane, 2,000-meter course without dredging or widening the river.
The decision ends months of debate over crocodiles, strong currents, and tidal flows. World Rowing President Jean-Christophe Rolland confirmed the Fitzroy River could meet Olympic rowing standards during the Games period. Queensland leaders now plan upgrades to flood defenses, roads, and rail infrastructure near Rockhampton.
A 2.7-Kilometre Course Takes Shape in Regional Queensland
The proposed rowing course occupies a 2.7-kilometre section of the Fitzroy River in Rockhampton. Queensland Deputy Premier Jarrod Bleijie said the site provides the required 2,000-metre racing distance plus space for starting and finishing infrastructure. The decision signals a commitment to holding major international events outside Australia's capital cities.
International Engineers Confirm Safety and Fair Competition
Marine-engineering firm Waterproof conducted the technical analysis for World Rowing and Paddle Worldwide. The company, which regularly assesses Olympic competition courses worldwide, found the Fitzroy River capable of providing consistent racing conditions. No widening or dredging of the river will be necessary, according to Queensland State Government officials.
Next Steps Include Design Finalization and Infrastructure Upgrades
The Games Independent Infrastructure and Coordination Authority will complete its investigations and submit a final project-validation report to Queensland in the coming months. Concept design is approximately 80% complete. Premier David Crisafulli said the government backs regional Queensland "no ifs, no buts," signalling support for local infrastructure improvements.
Concerns Over Crocodiles and River Conditions Give Way to Technical Approval
Earlier concerns about saltwater crocodiles, tidal flows, and strong currents had raised questions about the site's suitability. World Rowing President Jean-Christophe Rolland's endorsement and Waterproof's independent assessment resolved those doubts. Queensland officials stressed the venue choice reflects confidence in regional hosting and infrastructure development around Rockhampton.
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