Queensland premier David Crisafulli on Tuesday confirmed that the Brisbane 2032 rowing event will take place at Rockhampton’s Fitzroy River, about 500km North of Brisbane.
The Fitzroy River is known for hosting multiple amateur rowing clubs. Due to its flow, it might give Olympic boats an added advantage.
“If it’s good enough for central Queensland kids, I reckon it’s good enough for Pierre from Paris, and we are going to deliver a regional benefit,” the Premier said at a major Games venue announcement event on Tuesday.
“It’s the opportunity that an urban renewal of a dormant part of that city can come to life. And anyone who’s tried to get accommodation for Beef Week knows that a few extra dwellings there might also be useful,” the Premier said.
“We’re having it there, and we’ll do everything we can to make sure that it works to the highest possible standard.”
However, Rowing Australia, has raised concern about the flow.
“In the middle of a river, particularly one with a stream or a flow in it, the middle, deeper section runs faster than the outside, so that creates unfairness across the course,” Rowing Australia chief executive Sarah Cook told the ABC, before Rockhampton was confirmed as host.
Fitzroy River is an outing spot for many but the crocodiles in the waterway might be concerning.
“We’re certainly happy to put our athletes out there, but maybe it might scare a few others off,” Cook said.
Earlier in January, three crocodiles made themselves at home at the North Rockhampton Golf Club.
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