The 2032 Games will host rowing, para rowing, canoe sprint and para canoe events on Rockhampton’s Fitzroy River, with World Rowing and Paddle Worldwide endorsing an independent technical assessment of the Rockhampton Flatwater course.
The assessment has been completed by the Games Independent Infrastructure Coordination Authority and internationally renowned marine engineering experts WaterProof Marine Consultancy and Services B.V.
It included extensive on-water investigations and modelling to understand how the course would perform under a range of conditions, weather patterns, water levels and flood risk at both Games time and throughout the period leading into the Games.
Having reviewed the assessment, President of World Rowing Jean-Christophe Rolland and President of Paddle Worldwide Thomas Konietzko have endorsed that the course can provide a safe, fair and consistent field of play suitable for Olympic and Paralympic Rowing and Canoe Sprint competitions.
“Based on the extensive analysis undertaken, we now know that the Fitzroy River is capable of providing fair competition conditions during the period of the Games, consistent with the requirements of Olympic and Paralympic Rowing,” Mr Rolland said.
“We look forward to continuing our collaboration with Brisbane 2032, GIICA, Paddle Worldwide, the IOC and IPC in the coming phases of venue planning.”
Queensland Premier David Crisafulli welcomed the confirmation and endorsement from the International Federations and the IOC that rowing would be in Rockhampton for the 2032 Games.
“Rowing and canoe sprint will be in Rockhampton for the 2032 Games and deliver a lasting legacy for Central Queensland,” Premier Crisafulli said.
“We acknowledge World Rowing and Paddle Worldwide’s official endorsement of the Fitzroy River for Olympic and Paralympic events, and now we can move toward delivering this Games for all of Queensland.
“Regional Queensland deserves to be on the world stage and the many legacy benefits of generational infrastructure, tourism and housing that will follow.”
Minister for Olympic and Paralympic Games Tim Mander said the state government is delivering a Games Queenslanders could be proud of.
“Rockhampton has earned its place on the world stage, and the endorsement today means we’re one step closer to seeing the best rowers in the world race on the mighty Fitzroy River,” Minister Mander said.
“We are delivering a Games for all of Queensland and Central Queensland is set to share in the jobs, investment, and tourism opportunities that come with hosting the world, with the next generation of kids to be inspired to pick up an oar, get active and dream about what they can achieve.”
