A Rocky Road to the Finish Line

After months of back and forth, there’s finally some clarity on where Olympic rowing will land for Brisbane 2032.

Rockhampton’s Fitzroy River is officially moving ahead as the venue for both rowing and canoe sprint, with international bodies now backing the process.

What's changed?

World Rowing and the International Canoe Federation have publicly supported the next phase of planning for Rockhampton, following ongoing discussions with the Queensland Government and delivery authorities.

That doesn’t mean every detail is locked in, but it does signal confidence to move forward.

Two potential course layouts are now being assessed, including a full 2km Olympic-standard course finishing near the Fitzroy Barrage. From here, it’s into detailed design, technical validation, and planning.

Why Rocky?

The decision aligns with the broader strategy to spread Olympic investment across regional Queensland.

Key benefits include:

• Regional legacy: Major infrastructure and tourism uplift for central Queensland

• Natural setting: Leveraging the Fitzroy River rather than building a new course

• Government backing: Firmly part of the current delivery plan

There are still technical hurdles to clear before everything is signed off.

• Course fairness: River flow, bends, and wind conditions are still being assessed

• Environmental factors: Flooding and wildlife (yes, crocodiles) remain part of the conversation

• Engineering scope: Potential dredging or widening of the river hasn’t been confirmed

• Final approval: International bodies will continue working through technical validation

World Rowing has been clear on one point: fair and safe competition is non-negotiable.

What about Moreton Bay?

The Moreton Bay proposal, which gained attention as a potential alternative, now looks unlikely to play a role in the Olympic venue itself.

However, the conversation it sparked, around legacy, accessibility, and long-term infrastructure, won’t disappear anytime soon.

What's next?

Planning is now moving into a more detailed phase, covering:

• Venue design and overlays

• Operational requirements

• Capacity and logistics

• Long-term legacy outcomes

All of this sits within the $7.1 billion funding envelope for Games infrastructure.