Rockhampton's Flatwater Facility on the Fitzroy River is proposed to be upgraded to enable the region to host rowing, Para rowing, canoe sprint, and Para canoe events at the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games. But environmental concerns are surfacing about the long-term cost of making the river suitable for international competition.
The warning comes from a river expert quoted in recent reporting about the Olympic venue proposal. A technical feasibility study is currently underway to assess the river's suitability for Games competition, including evaluating river flow, water levels and flooding, wind, weather, and initial field of play suitability, in accordance with International Federation and Games standards.
The core issue is structural: unlike an artificial course or a still lake, the Fitzroy has a natural current that experts say could help or hinder certain lanes. "If there's a stronger current in the middle, some lanes will have an advantage," explained Sarah Cook, CEO of Rowing Australia. "The least an athlete deserves is to race in fair conditions."
There are also environmental concerns including water quality, the presence of weeds and the maintenance of the riverbed. These considerations have prompted caution from the international rowing community. Fairness and safety are paramount to any venue hosting a regatta of this magnitude and importance, with any river current that could impact results or favour certain lanes not permissible under the rules.
The Queensland government remains committed to the venue despite the outstanding technical questions. David Crisafulli declared during a visit to Rockhampton that "if it's good enough for the kids of Central Queensland to compete in there, it's definitely good enough for Pierre from Paris to compete there." However, World Rowing President Jean-Christophe Rolland and International Canoe Federation President Thomas Konietzko said the groups were not ready to give the go-ahead for the Fitzroy, instead saying they were committed to ensuring 'fair and safe competition'.
Currently in the Planning and Approvals Phase, GIICA is undertaking a feasibility and options assessment before the project moves towards the Project Validation Report for funding approval, with early investigative works underway throughout late 2025 including the exploration of river flow, water levels, wind, weather, and initial field of play suitability.
If the Fitzroy ultimately does not meet requirements, alternative venues could include locations such as the Penrith still water course in Sydney, or options in Queensland like Hinze Dam on the Gold Coast and Wyaralong Dam south of Brisbane. The decision carries significance beyond sport. The Fitzroy River in Rockhampton has been selected as part of a broader strategy to spread the benefits of the Games across regional Queensland.