IOC approves Fitzroy River as Brisbane 2032 rowing venue

The International Olympic Committee has approved Queensland’s Fitzroy River for rowing and canoe events at the 2032 Brisbane Games. The decision follows an independent technical assessment and months of opposition over crocodiles, currents, flooding, silt and the site’s suitability for fair competition.

The International Olympic Committee has approved central Queensland’s Fitzroy River as a venue for rowing, para rowing, canoe sprint and para canoe at the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, according to the Queensland government and the supplied report.

Queensland Premier David Crisafulli announced the decision in parliament, saying the river had passed the IOC assessment “with flying colours.” The approval ends months of debate over whether the regional site could meet international standards and provide safe and fair conditions for competitors.

The state government said the IOC’s decision followed a comprehensive independent technical assessment by international marine engineering experts. World Rowing and Paddle Worldwide backed the assessment after reviewing the data and inspecting the site. World Rowing president Jean-Christophe Rolland said the analysis showed the Fitzroy River could provide fair competition conditions during the Games, while Paddle Worldwide president Thomas Konietzko said it had increased confidence in the course.

The decision had been contested because the Fitzroy is a crocodile habitat and has strong currents. Critics also raised concerns about flooding, heavy silt loads, ongoing maintenance and the venue’s sustainability. An open letter signed by 542 rowers, including Olympic gold medallist Drew Ginn, called for the rowing venue to be built in southeast Queensland. Moreton Bay had been promoted as an alternative course by its local council.

The Queensland government said the river can accommodate a full eight-lane Olympic course, including start and finish areas, across a 2.7-kilometre section that provides enough distance for a standard 2,000-metre race. Deputy Premier Jarrod Bleijie said analysis found that widening and dredging would not be needed, despite earlier concerns about those requirements.

The Games authority will now move to detailed planning, design and construction, the government said. Rockhampton Mayor Tony Williams welcomed the approval and said work should begin on infrastructure needed for the venue.