ABSTRACT

Queensland Premier David Crisafulli announced this week that the Fitzroy River in Rockhampton passed an independent technical assessment to host rowing and canoe sprint events at the 2032 Brisbane Olympic and Paralympic Games. The announcement came as almost 700 athletes competed on Saturday in the three-day Queensland Schools' Championship Regatta on the same stretch of water, the first state-level rowing event Rockhampton has hosted in five years.

ABC News Australia

Queensland premier says Fitzroy River passes assessment for 2032 Olympic rowing

Sep 19, 2026, 4:55 PM

Context

Eight boats left the starting line at 7am on Saturday on the Fitzroy River in central Queensland, with racing shown on a big screen on the riverbank. Crews from across the state travelled to Rockhampton for the Queensland Schools' Championship Regatta, a three-day event involving almost 700 athletes. Rowing Queensland said the schools' regatta should not be viewed as a test or demonstration event for the Olympics.

The premier announced the technical assessment result to Rockhampton Grammar School director of co-curricular Todd Wells and a group of school rowers. The decision followed months of debate over the Fitzroy River's suitability as an Olympic venue, including its status as a crocodile habitat.

After an independent technical assessment of the stretch of water, World Rowing and Paddle Worldwide endorsed it 'as safe and fair for athletes', according to the report. The international sporting bodies are awaiting the next phase of venue planning, which the source describes as technical details and confirmation of service levels and facilities needed for Olympic and Paralympic competitions.

All Perspectives

Queensland Premier David Crisafulli: Crisafulli announced this week that the Rockhampton venue had passed an independent technical assessment 'with flying colours' to host rowing and canoe sprint events at the 2032 Brisbane Games. He delivered the news to Todd Wells and a group of school rowers.

Todd Wells, Rockhampton Grammar School director of co-curricular: Wells said he had no idea what was coming 'apart from a call from the premier'. 'It's inspiring to all the students that are here this weekend,' he said. 'In six years' time, they'll be right in the mix of hopefully selection for the Olympics and that's what it's all about, providing pathways for these students.'

Ryan Hendrie, 18-year-old rower: 'It's amazing to think that I'm rowing at the same spot that Olympians are going to be rowing at,' Hendrie said before his race. He said he would be 24 when the 2032 Brisbane Olympic Games are held, and that it 'could be an amazing achievement' to reach that level. 'Everyone is really excited. We've had the Australian [team] row here and train here [before] most Olympics.'

Bruce Waldon, spectator from Coolangatta: 'I have no problem with it at all, although I have seen some of the videos from overseas and their jibes at us,' Waldon said while watching his grandson compete. 'I wish the water was clearer but, besides that, I think it's a good venue.'

Camilla Richardson, mother from Townsville: 'We're going to see the Olympics here in 2032 so it's such an honour and a privilege to be back,' Richardson said. She said it was 'great for regional Queensland because, coming from Townsville, we are in the deep north and we often get forgotten about, so this is wonderful for the regions.' On the river's crocodiles: 'It won't be a problem, you stay in your boat and you row, and it's going to be a fabulous course for all the rowers,' she said. Her sons, she said, often row past wildlife on the Ross River in Townsville and 'we all just co-exist'.

Anthea O'Loughlin, Rowing Queensland chief executive: 'It's a very positive vibe at the moment, everyone's concentrating on the event and their racing,' O'Loughlin said. 'There are definitely possible Australian Olympic athletes coming out from these kids.'

World Rowing and Paddle Worldwide: Following the independent technical assessment, the two international bodies endorsed the stretch of the Fitzroy River 'as safe and fair for athletes', according to the source. The source says the international sporting bodies await the next phase of venue planning.

Position not represented in the source reporting: Critics of the Fitzroy River venue selection.

Gaps & Unknowns

The source does not state the date of the premier's announcement beyond 'this week'.
The source does not name who conducted the independent technical assessment or when it was completed.
The source does not name or quote any of the parties involved in the months of debate over the Fitzroy River's suitability, including its status as a crocodile habitat.
The source does not state the cost of the venue or any funding commitments for Olympic and Paralympic rowing and canoe sprint events.
The source does not identify the overseas critics whose videos Bruce Waldon referenced, or the substance of their criticism.
The source does not state the specific technical details, service levels or facilities still to be confirmed in the next phase of venue planning.

Sources & Further Reading

ABC News Australia — original

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