Rockhampton's Fitzroy River has been officially approved as the rowing venue for the Brisbane 2032 Olympics, with Queensland's Premier declaring the controversial crocodile habitat had passed an independent technical assessment "with flying colours" and was now "signed, sealed and delivered".
Olympic authorities confirmed the approval on Thursday, ending months of fierce debate over whether the regional Queensland waterway — long criticised for its strong currents, silt loads and wildlife — could meet international competition standards.
Premier Announces Green Light in Parliament
Queensland Premier David Crisafulli broke the news in state parliament, visibly buoyed by the outcome after enduring sustained pressure to abandon the site. "The Fitzroy has passed with flying colours. It's official, signed, sealed and delivered," he told the chamber, directing a pointed question at the opposition: "Why the long faces?"
Crisafulli had consistently defended the choice against critics he dismissed as "elites" thumbing their noses at a regional centre. On Thursday, he was unequivocal: "Many have said it can't be done … we reject that view. We back in regional Queensland — no ifs, no buts."
Deputy Premier Jarrod Bleijie added that detailed analysis had confirmed no widening or dredging of the river would be required. He said a 2.7-kilometre section of the Fitzroy provides sufficient room for a full eight-lane international-standard course, comfortably accommodating the standard 2,000-metre rowing race distance along with start and finish areas.
World Rowing and Paddle Worldwide Back the Site
The endorsement came after a comprehensive assessment by internationally recognised marine engineering experts, which was independently reviewed by the sport's peak bodies. World Rowing and Paddle Worldwide both confirmed they supported the findings after examining the expert data and conducting on-site inspections.
World Rowing president Jean-Christophe Rolland said the process had delivered confidence in the venue. "We now know that the Fitzroy River is capable of providing fair competition conditions during the period of the Games," he said in a statement.
Paddle Worldwide president Thomas Konietzko said the extensive analysis had "significantly improved the understanding of the field of play" and provided the confidence needed to proceed. The approval locks in the Fitzroy River as the host of rowing, para rowing, canoe sprint and para canoe events at Brisbane 2032.
Months of Opposition and a Rival Bid
The path to approval was far from smooth. Concerns about the Fitzroy River had mounted steadily since the Queensland government first floated it as a rowing venue in March 2025. Critics pointed to the river's powerful currents, potential flooding and heavy silt deposits, arguing constant dredging would be needed to maintain a competition-ready course.
An open letter signed by 542 rowers — including Olympic gold medallist Drew Ginn — was sent to the state government urging that the rowing venue be relocated to southeast Queensland. At a recent World Rowing congress meeting, the British, New Zealand and German rowing federations reportedly raised concerns about fairness, safety and sustainability at the Fitzroy site.
An alternative proposal at Moreton Bay, north of Brisbane, had also been championed by the local council as a world-standard course that could be built at roughly half the cost of the Rockhampton option.
What Happens Next
With the IOC's approval now formalised, the Games authority will move into the detailed planning, design and construction phase for the competition venue. Rockhampton mayor Tony Williams welcomed the decision, describing it as something he had always believed was achievable.
The Fitzroy River approval is the latest milestone in the broader Brisbane 2032 infrastructure rollout. For a look at another Games venue taking shape, see the Brisbane 2032 Olympics aquatic centre design revealed in its first official render.
