The Fitzroy River in Rockhampton, Queensland, has received approval to serve as the venue for Olympic and Paralympic rowing and canoeing competitions at the 2032 Brisbane Games. The river was assessed by an independent technical authority commissioned by the Games Independent Infrastructure and Coordination Authority, which evaluated how the course would perform under various environmental conditions, weather patterns, water levels, and flood risk scenarios both during the Games and in the lead-up period.
The Fitzroy River Flatwater Facility is already an established training and competition location for flatwater sports, hosting school state championships, local regattas, and national team training camps. Both World Rowing and Paddle Worldwide, the international governing bodies for their respective sports, have endorsed the course following the extensive technical analysis.
World Rowing President Jean-Christophe Rolland stated that the analysis demonstrated the Fitzroy River is capable of providing fair competition conditions meeting Olympic and Paralympic rowing standards. Similarly, Paddle Worldwide President Thomas Konietzko expressed confidence that the course can deliver competitive conditions suitable for Canoe Sprint athletes.
The river is home to approximately 500 saltwater crocodiles, which can grow to more than six metres in length. Brisbane 2032 President Andrew Liveris previously addressed concerns about the crocodiles, emphasizing the organization’s confidence in moving forward with the venue. With the technical endorsement now secured, the Games organizers indicated they will proceed with subsequent phases of venue planning and design work focused on Rockhampton.
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