Advocates on why Rockhampton’s oar-some Olympic rowing bid swamps SEQ

The team behind Rockhampton’s bid to host the 2032 Olympic rowing events hits back at Rowing Queensland critics, saying the Beef Capital’s proposal is “better every step of the way”.

A Rockhampton Grammar School crew practices before a Queensland Secondary Schools Rowing Championships on the Fitzroy River course.

The team behind a bold bid to host the 2032 Olympic rowing events have hit back at Rowing Queensland critics, saying Rockhampton’s proposal “is better every step of the way”.

Rowing Queensland chief executive officer Matt Bialkowski sparked a strong Rockhampton response when he said the city couldn’t deliver the post-Games “heartland” required compared to “a fantastic legacy opportunity for us right here at Lake Wyaralong” (100km from Brisbane).

Senator for Queensland Matt Canavan said that argument simply didn’t wash.

“Compared to the South-East Queensland rowing proposal, the Fitzroy River facility is cheaper to upgrade, closer to everything, and will leave a stronger legacy,” he said.

“The southeast rowing proposal offers little to no legacy following the Games. It will soon be connected to the SEQ water grid, meaning its capacity to host major events will be at the mercy and demand of the grid. With an upgrade cost estimated above $130 million, over one hour away from Brisbane, and no guarantee it can be relied upon in the future, it just doesn’t pass the pub test.

“The Rocky rowing proposal is better every step of the way.”

Rockhampton-based Senator Matt Canavan is one of the people driving the push for the Olympic rowing event to be held on the Fitzroy River in 2032.

He said anyone raising Fitzroy River crocodiles as a legitimate concern was clearly ignorant of the real situation.

“Some southerners are showing their desperation raising crocs as an issue too,” he said.

“Rocky already hosts regional and State Championships here every year. We allow hundreds of kids to compete during those so we can surely host the Olympics too.”

Rockhampton Regional Council Mayor Tony Williams backed his stance, saying Rockhampton and the Fitzroy River were considered one of Australia’s premier natural rowing courses.

“We absolutely back this proposal to bring the Olympics to Rocky and utilise one of our best natural assets,” Cr Williams said.

“When you look at what we already have established at the Rockhampton Ski Gardens, what’s planned through our ski gardens masterplan and our region’s capacity to host and accommodate large scale events, then we absolutely should be in contention.”

A competitor on the course at the Queensland Secondary Schools Rowing Championships in Rockhampton.

On the crocodile issue, he said council had taken steps to further negate the crocodile threat from the area as it was considered to be a high recreation-use area.

He said council voted last year to support proposals to extend the active croc removal zone to include the area from the Fitzroy Barrage to Alligator Creek (about 20km away).

Capricornia MP Michelle Landry said Rockhampton was the clear choice for the 2032 Olympics rowing.

“With Brisbane’s Olympic costs spiralling, we must pivot to smarter, cost-effective solutions that benefit a broader region,” she said.

“Our proposal saves $100 million compared to Wyaralong and leverages existing infrastructure. Located just 5 kilometres from the airport, CBD and national highway. Additionally, it promises a lasting housing legacy for the Rockhampton community.

“The Fitzroy River is already a hub for rowing, hosting numerous events each year on one of the best natural courses globally.

“Let’s not overcomplicate things. Rockhampton Rowing is the economically savvy and logistically sound option for the future.”

Assistant Minister for Central Queensland and Rockhampton MP Donna Kirkland said she supported investments into the region that “stimulated economic growth, legacy infrastructure and sustainability.”

“That’s what this submission for a medal rowing event will deliver,” she said.