Central Queensland’s Fitzroy River has received official approval from Olympic authorities to host rowing, para rowing, canoe sprint, and para canoe events for the Brisbane 2032 Games. This decision, confirmed on Thursday, concludes months of debate surrounding the controversial site.
Queensland’s premier, David Crisafulli, announced the International Olympic Committee’s endorsement in parliament, stating the Fitzroy River passed its assessment “with flying colours.” World Rowing and Paddle Worldwide also confirmed their backing of an independent technical assessment of the regional flat-water course.
Concerns had been raised regarding the Fitzroy River, a crocodile habitat, primarily due to its strong currents and potential non-compliance with World Rowing regatta standards. British, New Zealand, and German federations reportedly expressed worries about fairness, safety, and sustainability to 2032 organisers at a recent World Rowing congress meeting.
However, deputy premier Jarrod Bleijie stated that analysis showed the river could accommodate a full-width Olympic course with eight lanes, plus start and finish areas, without requiring widening or dredging. World Rowing president, Jean-Christophe Rolland, confirmed that the Fitzroy River is capable of providing fair competition conditions during the Games period.