Rocky on course for rowing and canoeing in 2032

• Flatwater rowing and canoeing in Rockhampton for 2032 Games progresses to next phase of assessment with support from World Rowing and the International Canoe Federation.
• Games Independent Infrastructure and Coordination Authority (GIICA) is advancing two preferred Field of Play options on the Fitzroy River for the 2032 Games.

Flatwater rowing and canoeing in Rockhampton remains on course with World Rowing and the International Canoe Federation supporting the move to the next phase of the design process in the lead up to the 2032 Games and beyond.

Following positive discussions across stakeholders, the Games Independent Infrastructure and Coordination Authority (GIICA) is assessing two preferred Field of Play options ahead of independent Technical Analysis being finalised.

As part of the standard process, GIICA commissioned the independent evaluation of the site’s technical capability, to assess elements including river flow, water levels, wind and operational requirements, as well as Field of Play options to ensure they meet with international competition and Games standards.

World Rowing and the International Canoe Federation delegates also visited Rockhampton late last year to see the mighty Fitzroy River first-hand.

The preferred Field of Play currently being evaluated is a full 2-kilometre competition course, with a southern finish line downstream toward the Barrage.

No other venues are being considered, and completion of this phase has enabled planning to move forward, including more detailed design for infrastructure upgrades, venue overlays, operational requirements, legacy opportunities and venue capacity.

GIICA will continue to work closely with the rowing and canoeing International Federations in completing and finalising the Project Validation Report (PVR).

The venue is funded within the $7.1 billion funding agreement that was renegotiated by the Queensland and Commonwealth Governments in July 2025 to deliver venues and long-term legacy infrastructure for communities across Queensland beyond 2032.

Deputy Premier and Minister for State Development, Infrastructure and Planning Jarrod Bleijie said the latest progress ensured the Rockhampton community and competitors could have confidence in the Fitzroy.

“The Crisafulli Government promised a Games and generational legacy for all Queenslanders, including rowing and canoeing in Rocky,” Deputy Premier Bleijie said.

“This is an important milestone and we’re working well with the rowing and canoeing International Federations, as well as the IOC and our Games Delivery Partners to deliver an incredible venue and competition in 2032, and a long lasting legacy for Rockhampton.”

World Rowing President, Jean-Christophe Rolland said it would continue to work collaboratively to ensure fair and safe competition for athletes.

“We are appreciative of the engagement and assessment carried out to date,” Mr Rolland said.

“Fairness and integrity of competition is our utmost priority, and we look forward to continuing to work with stakeholders to undertake further technical assessments of the Fitzroy River to reach a final position in a timely manner.”

International Canoe Federation President, Thomas Konietzko supported the collaborative progress to date and looked forward to finalisation of the assessment.

“We welcome the feasibility work completed so far and will continue to provide practical technical guidance as planning progresses, ensuring that athlete needs and competition requirements remain central to the process,” Mr Konietzko said.

“We look forward to ongoing collaboration with all partners as the Rockhampton venue moves into its next phase.”

GIICA CEO Simon Crooks said detailed planning work was now underway.

“This is an exciting phase.  As we progress to venue venue design and technical approval, we can now get down into the detail and technical considerations that go into delivering a world class venue for competitors that Queenslanders can be proud of,” Mr Crooks said.

Member for Rockhampton Donna Kirkland said the positive assessments to date was a vote of confidence in Rockhampton.

“Rockhampton and the broader Central Queensland community are excited about being a Games host city and the infrastructure and investment legacy that will bring to our region.”

“The mighty Fitzroy River is a proud part of Rockhampton’s history and the opportunity of showcasing it on the world stage is something we can all be proud of.”

ENDS

MEDIA CONTACT: Ash McDermid 0412 731 355