Brisbane 2032 Olympics approves Fitzroy River as rowing venue despite controversy

Consensus Summary

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has officially approved the Fitzroy River in Rockhampton as the venue for rowing and canoe sprint events at the 2032 Brisbane Olympics, despite months of controversy. The decision was announced by Queensland Premier David Crisafulli, who stated the site had passed an IOC assessment 'with flying colours'. The approval includes hosting rowing, para rowing, canoe sprint, and para canoe events, marking a significant victory for regional Queensland. The Fitzroy River, a crocodile-inhabited waterway, was first proposed as a venue in March 2025, sparking debate over its suitability due to strong currents and safety concerns.

The selection of the Fitzroy River has been contentious since its initial proposal. Critics, including British, New Zealand, and German rowing federations, raised concerns about fairness, safety, and sustainability, particularly after an open letter signed by 542 rowers—including gold medallist Drew Ginn—urged the Queensland government to reconsider. The letter advocated for an alternative site at Moreton Bay, which was promoted as a world-standard course at roughly half the cost of Rockhampton’s venue. Despite these objections, Premier Crisafulli dismissed the concerns, calling critics 'elites' thumbing their noses at regional centres and reaffirming Queensland’s commitment to the Fitzroy River.

Key figures in the decision included Deputy Premier Jarrod Bleijie, who confirmed no widening or dredging of the river would be necessary. He noted the Fitzroy River could accommodate an Olympic-standard course with eight lanes over a 2.7km section, ensuring sufficient distance for a 2000-metre race. The IOC’s endorsement followed a technical assessment by internationally renowned marine engineering experts, while World Rowing and Paddle Worldwide also backed the course after reviewing the data. Rockhampton Mayor Tony Williams expressed confidence in the decision, stating the Fitzroy River was always the ideal venue for the 2032 Games.

While ABC, the Guardian, and 7NEWS all agree on the core approval of the Fitzroy River, the Guardian and 7NEWS highlight the Moreton Bay alternative more prominently, framing it as a significant point of contention. ABC, however, does not mention this alternative, focusing instead on the IOC’s final sign-off. The reporting also diverges slightly in emphasis, with the Guardian and 7NEWS detailing the technical specifics of the course—such as the 2.7km length and eight lanes—more extensively than ABC. Despite these differences, all sources confirm the IOC’s decision is now final, with planning and construction set to begin.

With the IOC’s approval now secured, the Queensland government will proceed with detailed planning, design, and construction for the competition venue. The next steps involve securing infrastructure and ensuring the site meets all Olympic standards. While critics may continue to voice concerns, the state government remains defiant, with Premier Crisafulli rejecting doubts about the Fitzroy River’s capability. The focus now shifts to preparing the venue for the 2032 Games, with regional Queensland poised to play a central role in the Olympics for the first time.