Rockhampton in race to host Olympic rowing on Fitzroy River

Rockhampton is in the race to host Olympic rowing and canoeing on the Fitzroy River in a submission advocates argue would save the state $100m and boost regional Queensland.

Competitors in a rowing regatta on the Fitzroy River rowing course. File picture: Chris Ison/The Morning Bulletin

Rockhampton is in the race to host Olympic rowing and canoeing on the Fitzroy River in a submission advocates argue would save the state $100m and boost regional Queensland.

Led by Queensland Senator Matt Canavan, a submission endorsed by Central Queensland politicians calls for the 100-day infrastructure review to move the event some 560km from Wyaralong Dam to the Fitzroy River.

They argue Wyaralong Dam’s lack of connection to the water and power grids, the requirement for a new road and isolated location meant it could cost upwards of $130m.

Queensland Senator Matt Canavan says Rockhampton’s rowing course is close to the airport, the Bruce Highway and the city’s business centre. File picture: Dan Peled/NCA NewsWire

Senator Canavan said the Fitzroy River already had an world class rowing facility just

minutes from the national highway, a major airport and the CBD of Rockhampton.

Without the need for large infrastructure requirements, he argued at least $100m

could be saved by moving the rowing and canoeing events to Rockhampton.

Senator Canavan said the Fitzroy was on par or better than the current proposal.

“Unlike the currently proposed Wyaralong facility in the Scenic Rim, the Fitzroy facility is cheaper to upgrade, closer to everything, and will save the state millions,” he said.

“The Rockhampton rowing course is at the centre of everything with an airport, highway and a CBD within minutes.

“This proposal would see Olympic rowing and canoeing become the only medal event in regional Queensland.

“It would allow all Queenslanders to be proud of our Olympic Games.”

The Fitzroy River at Rockhampton. Picture: Glenn Hunt

There have been multiple crocodile sightings and relocations in the Fitzroy River in recent years.

Dwindling support in regional Queensland for the Olympic and Paralympic Games prompted the former state government to eye a cut-price 2032 event.

Assistant Minister for Central Queensland Donna Kirkland said hosting an event in Rockhampton would fill the ‘Games gap’ the LNP government inherited.

“We have a Games gap running over 1200km, with no events proposed by Labor from the

Sunshine Coast through to Townsville,” she said.

Last year’s review by former Brisbane Lord Mayor Graham Quirk chose Wyaralong in part to provide a scenic advertisement for the Games.

“There is no doubt that this is true, but the Fitzroy River is an equal advertisement of the beautiful Australian bush,” Senator Canavan said.

Capricornia MP Michelle Landry said the Fitzroy was “globally renowned as one of the best natural water courses for rowing”.

GPS Head of the River celebrations at Wyaralong Dam in the Scenic Rim. Picture: John Gass

“Despite being overlooked for key 2032 Olympics investments, our region has a world-class

course ready to go,” she said.

Rockhampton Fitzroy Rowing Club president Sarah Black said hosting the Games in regional Queensland would leave a lasting legacy.

“While most rowing facilities are far away from large towns, our facility is just 3km from the CBD,” she said.

“It will inspire the next generation of athletes, and cement Rockhampton as a rowing hub for

many years to come.”

The 100-day infrastructure review is due to report on its findings by March 8.