Fitzroy River confirmed as 2032 Olympic rowing and canoeing venue

The Fitzroy River in Rockhampton, Queensland, has been officially chosen as the venue for rowing and canoeing events at the 2032 Brisbane Olympic and Paralympic Games, despite the waterway being a known crocodile habitat.

Global sports governing bodies World Rowing and Paddle Worldwide (the International Canoe Federation) endorsed the river after reviewing an independent technical study commissioned by the Games Independent Infrastructure and Coordination Authority (GIICA).

The review was carried out by independent marine engineering firm WaterProof Marine Consultancy and Services B.V. It examined the riverbed, the proposed competition course, water flows, water levels, and the operation of the Fitzroy Barrage.

Experts also assessed wind, weather, and environmental conditions expected during the Games period. On-water testing and computer modeling were used to examine flow, wind, and wave conditions under various scenarios.

After reviewing the findings and conducting site visits, World Rowing and Paddle Worldwide confirmed the Fitzroy River could provide suitable, fair conditions for competition.

In a statement, World Rowing President Jean-Christophe Rolland said the assessment provided a clearer understanding of the river’s behavior.

“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,” Rolland said.

The assessment concluded that the course could offer a “safe, fair, and consistent field of play” for rowing, Para rowing, canoe sprint, and Para canoe events.

While the presence of saltwater crocodiles in the Fitzroy River system raised public concern, the course itself will be situated in the freshwater section upstream of the Fitzroy Barrage, where crocodile encounters are far less common. Local authorities noted that risk-mitigation measures and active monitoring will be in place during the Games.

GIICA Chairman Stephen Conry welcomed the endorsement as an important milestone.

“GIICA is working collaboratively with Brisbane 2032 and the International Federations, while continuing validation assessments addressing venue requirements, design, risk mitigation, and legacy outcomes,” Conry said.

The Fitzroy River routinely hosts flatwater sports, including state school championships, local regattas, and national team training camps. Proposed upgrades will expand facilities at the site, which organizers expect will deliver long-term economic and sporting benefits to Rockhampton and Central Queensland well beyond 2032.