Local Rockhampton Committee formed to ensure Olympic opportunity is not wasted

First 2032 Olympic committee formed to ensure opportunities presented by the Games to the region aren’t wasted.

Rockhampton Fitzroy Rowing Club president Sarah Black fronts the media after the first meeting of the CQ32 Rowing Legacy Advisory Committee.

“It’s been fantastic that this group has been able to be established today to give a local voice to what is a fantastic opportunity for our region.”

These were the words of Rockhampton Fitzroy Rowing Club president Sarah Black as she fronted the media after the first meeting of the CQ32 Rowing Legacy Advisory Committee, held on Tuesday, April 15.

The committee of eight is chaired by State Member for Rockhampton Donna Kirkland and was created to ensure opportunities from hosting the 2032 Olympic rowing and canoeing events were maximised for Central Queensland.

“The opportunities over the next seven years for both rowing and canoeing from a local sport perspective and other water river uses is just fantastic,” Ms Black said.

“I’m really excited about what’s going to happen moving forward.”

Senator for Queensland Matt Canavan is a member of the CQ32 Rowing Legacy Advisory Committee.

The committee will be a point where Rockhampton businesses, tourism operators and everyday locals can provide input into how the region can benefit positively, not only in the lead up to the 2032 Games, but once the Games are over.

Members of the Committee represent various organisations, though the makeup of the committee will most likely change over the next seven years due to external factors.

Capricorn Enterprise chief executive officer Mary Carroll said prior to the announcement that Rockhampton would be hosting the Olympic rowing events, the city needed 1200 additional rooms to meet current and future demands by 2032.

“We believe this (the Olympic) announcement has expedited that need and that interest from investors,” she said.

Ms Carroll said the legacy the committee wants to establish post the 2032 Games doesn’t just revolve around housing infrastructure but also includes legacy infrastructure for future sporting events.

“Seating areas for spectators, an upgrade of the course, not just for the 2032 Olympics but to have future national and state events here in Rockhampton on the Fitzroy River,” she said.

Federal Member for Capricornia Michelle Landry said the committee would provide pivotal advice to Olympic decision-makers.

“This committee is about more than just preparing for the 2032 Games, it’s about securing long-term benefits for our region,” she said.

“From upgraded infrastructure to increased tourism and job creation, we have a once-in-a-generation chance to put Central Queensland on the world stage, and I’ll be working hard to ensure Capricornia gets its fair share.”

Ms Landry’s comments were echoed by Ms Kirkland who called Central Queensland a “powerhouse region.”

“This committee is so important to ensure that we put our best foot forward and attract as much business investment and tourism growth as possible,” Ms Kirkland said.

“This event will leave a legacy for all Central Queenslanders.”

The CQ32 Rowing Legacy Advisory Committee will meet on a consistent basis, with the next meeting planned for June 2025.

Full list of current members of the CQ32 Rowing Legacy Advisory Committee

Member for Rockhampton Donna Kirkland

Federal Member for Capricornia Michelle Landry

Senator for Queensland Matt Canavan

Rockhampton Regional Council Mayor Tony Williams

Capricorn Enterprise chief executive officer Mary Carroll

Capricornia Chamber of Commerce president Jason Foss

Rockhampton Fitzroy Rowing Club president Sarah Black

Regional Development Australia’s director of regional development Tony Gambling