The International Olympic Committee has approved Rockhampton's Fitzroy River as the venue for rowing, para rowing, canoe sprint and para canoe at the 2032 Brisbane Olympic and Paralympic Games, ending a year-and-a-half of uncertainty over where the events would be held.
The decision follows an independent technical assessment of the river course, which is home to about 500 saltwater crocodiles. The review considered weather patterns, water levels and flood risk, as well as how the course would perform during the Games and in the period beforehand. It did not consider the crocodile population or assess wildlife risk.
The Games Independent Infrastructure and Coordination Authority commissioned the report. WaterProof Marine Consultancy and Services B.V., described as internationally renowned marine engineering experts, carried out the assessment.
The Fitzroy River Flatwater Facility is already used for flatwater sport, hosting school state championships, local regattas and national team training camps. Its 2.7km course provides sufficient distance for a standard 2000-metre rowing race.
World Rowing and Paddle Worldwide endorsed the course after examining expert data and inspecting the site. World Rowing President Jean-Christophe Rolland said 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.
Paddle Worldwide President Thomas Konietzko said the technical work undertaken has significantly improved understanding of the field of play and provides confidence to athletes that the course can deliver fair competition for Canoe Sprint athletes.
The venue had faced questions over whether dredging would be needed, whether tidal flows and strong currents could affect racing, and the presence of saltwater crocodiles in the Fitzroy River system. Queensland deputy premier Jarrod Bleijie said no dredging would be required.
Organisers have contingency plans for crocodile sightings during events. The details of those plans, whether they have been tested, and how they would operate during Olympic competition have not been set out in the assessment described in the brief.
Representatives from New Zealand, Canada, Germany and the United Kingdom raised concerns about the Fitzroy River at the World Rowing congress in Amsterdam. The available information does not specify whether those concerns included crocodiles.
Olympic organisers had originally proposed a $250 million purpose-built flatwater facility at Wyaralong Dam, roughly 75km inland from the Gold Coast in the Scenic Rim. The approval instead confirms the existing Fitzroy River facility for the four Olympic and Paralympic disciplines.
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