Organisers of the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games have approved Queensland’s Fitzroy River in Rockhampton as the venue for rowing and canoe sprint events, clearing a major hurdle surrounding the controversial competition site.
The decision follows an independent technical assessment of the river and its suitability to provide safe, fair and consistent competition conditions during the Games. The Fitzroy River, located about 600 kilometres north of Brisbane, has attracted international attention because it is home to a large population of saltwater crocodiles and has also faced questions over water currents, flooding and other environmental conditions.
The assessment examined factors including river flows, water levels, weather patterns and flood risks, as well as how the proposed course would perform under different conditions. The findings were subsequently reviewed by World Rowing and Paddle Worldwide, the international governing body responsible for canoe sprint, with both organisations endorsing the venue.
World Rowing President Jean-Christophe Rolland said the assessment provided the information needed to establish whether the river could deliver fair competition conditions for athletes during the Games.
Paddle Worldwide President Thomas Konietzko also welcomed the technical findings, saying the detailed assessment had improved understanding of the proposed competition course and provided confidence that it could meet the requirements for canoe sprint competition.
The approval comes after months of debate over the choice of the Fitzroy River. International rowing representatives had previously raised concerns about the venue, with questions focusing on the river’s natural conditions, its distance from Brisbane and the arrangements that would be required to accommodate athletes and other Games participants in Rockhampton.
The presence of saltwater crocodiles has also been a major talking point. The Fitzroy River is known to contain hundreds of the reptiles, some of which can grow beyond six metres in length. However, the technical assessment that cleared the venue concentrated on the physical and competitive conditions of the course rather than the presence of crocodiles.
Local authorities and sporting organisations have previously indicated that procedures would be required for managing crocodile sightings around the competition area. The river is already used for training and sporting competitions, providing organisers with an existing venue on which to build the Olympic and Paralympic course.
The Queensland government has now confirmed that planning for the Rockhampton venue will move forward. The decision also means the Fitzroy River is set to host rowing, Para rowing, canoe sprint and Para canoe events during the Brisbane 2032 Games.
The approval marks an important step in preparations for the Games, although detailed venue planning, design and operational arrangements will still be required before the competition takes place.
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