2032 Rowing in Rockhampton endorsed by World Rowing and Paddle Worldwide

• Rockhampton flatwater course on the Fitzroy River has been endorsed by World Rowing and Paddle Worldwide, confirming Games rowing, para rowing, canoe sprint and para canoe events for the 2032 Games.
• Official endorsement of the Rockhampton flatwater course follows comprehensive and independent technical assessment by renowned marine engineering experts as well as site visits by World Rowing and Paddle Worldwide representatives.
• Independent assessment confirms course can provide a safe, fair and consistent field of play suitable for Games flatwater events.
• The Games Independent Infrastructure and Coordination Authority will now proceed with the detailed planning, design and construction for the Games.

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.

Comprehensive and independent technical assessment of the Rockhampton Flatwater course on the Fitzroy River has been completed by the Games Independent Infrastructure and Coordination Authority (GIICA) and internationally renowned marine engineering experts WaterProof Marine Consultancy and Services B.V. (WaterProof). 

The assessment 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, Presidents Jean-Christophe Rolland (World Rowing) and Thomas Konietzko (Paddle Worldwide) endorsed that the course can provide a safe, fair and consistent field of play suitable for Olympic and Paralympic Rowing and Canoe Sprint competitions.

In addition to the assessment, site visits were conducted by World Rowing and Paddle Worldwide representatives, ensuring a clearer understanding of the proposed course and conditions and of the next steps as part of venue planning.

The Federations endorsed the Rockhampton Flatwater course, which won’t require construction of a barrage or ocean tide blocks, which have been required in LA and Tokyo Games.

The Fitzroy Barrage is Rockhampton’s secret weapon – it forms a distinct racing environment on the water creating a mid-river dam, separating the downstream tidal saltwater section from the upstream freshwater section where the proposed course is located.

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.”

Deputy Premier Jarrod Bleijie said the endorsement marked a significant step forward towards 2032 and beyond.

“We’re committed to delivering a world-class event on a world-class course, and this important milestone allows us to hit the drive phase of the detailed planning, design and ultimately construction, so we can deliver an incredible course, and an incredible legacy for Rocky,” Deputy Premier Bleijie said.

“We’ll continue to work closely and collaboratively with World Rowing, Paddle Worldwide and the IOC to deliver a venue, competition and generational infrastructure that everyone will be proud of.”

Minister for Olympic and Paralympic Games Tim Mander said the Crisafulli Government was 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.”

World Rowing President Jean-Christophe Rolland reiterated that fair and equal conditions for athletes was the driver in requesting a thorough and robust assessment of the course.

“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.”

Paddle Worldwide President Thomas Konietzko said the assessment had been characterised by a highly collaborative and transparent approach across all stakeholders.

“The quality and depth of the technical work undertaken has significantly improved our understanding of the field of play and provides confidence to us and our athletes that the course can deliver fair competition for Canoe Sprint athletes.

“We look forward to maintaining our strong partnership and continuing to work together to deliver an outstanding Olympic and Paralympic competition venue in Rockhampton for 2032.”

GIICA Chairman Stephen Conry AM said endorsement of the Fitzroy River course by World Rowing and Paddle Worldwide was an important step towards to delivering a world-class course and event. 

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

 “The legacy benefits of the Games go well beyond 2032 with venues such as the Fitzroy River Flatwater Facility unlocking many long-term economic and social benefits for Rockhampton and Central Queensland.”

Brisbane 2032 President, Andrew Liveris thanked both International Federation Presidents and their teams, together with GIICA, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and International Paralympic Committee (IPC) for their guidance and support throughout the process.

“Fair competition and the highest field of play standards are paramount to the success of the Olympic and Paralympic Games, together with athletes and Para athletes competing,” Mr Liveris said.

“Thorough and robust assessment of the Fitzroy River course has proved fair and equal competitions can take place, which has led to positive endorsement by both International Federations.

“I thank both Jean-Christophe, Thomas and their teams for their expertise and collaboration as preparations continue at pace ahead of our Games in just under six years’ time.

“I also thank GIICA, the Queensland and Australian Governments for their support as the process took place.

“The endorsement provides additional certainty as we move into the next phase of venue planning and Games delivery, ensuring all future design and operational work continues to focus solely on Rockhampton.”

ENDS

MEDIA CONTACT: Ash McDermid 0412 731 355

BACKGROUND:

Technical assessment carried out

Brisbane 2032, GIICA, World Rowing, Paddle Worldwide and specialist consultants WaterProof (regularly engaged by World Rowing and Paddle Worldwide to consider courses) undertook a comprehensive assessment of the Fitzroy River course to determine its suitability for Olympic and Paralympic rowing and canoe sprint competition.

The assessment included:

• Detailed surveys of the riverbed and competition course.
• Analysis of river flows, water levels and Fitzroy Barrage operations.
• Assessment of wind, weather and environmental conditions during the proposed Games period.
• On-water testing and modelling to evaluate flow, wind and wave conditions across a range of scenarios.

The assessment confirmed the location is capable of supporting a full-length international flatwater course and providing fair, consistent and athlete-focused competition conditions for Olympic and Paralympic rowing and canoe sprint events for the Games in 2032.