The bold bid to be an Olympic venue pays off big time for Rockhampton

Mayor Tony Williams described the selection of Rockhampton to host the 2032 Olympic rowing and canoeing as an “absolutely fantastic outcome”.

AI image of 2032 Brisbane Olympic Games venues: Rowing at the Fitzroy River in Rockhampton.

Mayor Tony Williams described the selection of Rockhampton to host the 2032 Olympic rowing and canoe sprint events as an “absolutely fantastic outcome”.

“We know we have a world class rowing venue in the Fitzroy River and now we get to share that on a global stage,” Cr Williams said after today’s announcement by Premier David Crisafulli.

“What’s more we will see significant investment into the Rockhampton Railyards (Athlete Village) to revitalise the precinct and create a lasting legacy for our city and our region.

“There’s plenty of work ahead but this is a great outcome for Rockhampton and I’m looking forward to seeing the games here in 2032.”

The Queensland Government’s release of its 2032 Delivery Plan puts Rockhampton firmly in the global spotlight for the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Rockhampton Fitzroy Rowing Club coach Phoebe Doolan, State Member for Rockhampton Donna Kirkland, Federal Member for Capricornia Michelle Landry, Capricornia Chamber of Commerce president Jason Foss, The Shelter Collective Chair Dave Grenfell and Rockhampton Fitzroy Rowing Club Nick Thompson are pushing for some Olympic events to be held locally.

In another huge win for the region the revitalised Railyards in Bolsover Street was selected to be home to an Athlete Village to house the world’s elite rowing competitors.

Brisbane 2032 Organising Committee President Andrew Liveris said he was not worried about the rowing being held in Rockhampton, despite the Fitzroy River being a saltwater crocodile location.

“There are sharks in the ocean and we still do surfing… this is can do, not can’t do, please flip the mindset here,” he said.

“We’re going to get at this and find the can-do answers.

“And yeah, look, there may be a little more funds required to get this done, but there’s good reason you’re taking the games to the regions.”

The winners of the Schoolboys Double Scull from Rockhampton Grammar School, Ignatius Park College and The Cathedral School.

The Premier said the investment in Rockhampton was part of a winning Games legacy for the region which included infrastructure, transport connectivity, tourism and grassroots sport.

He said the Games would not just be for Brisbane and the Plan recognised the value in Queensland’s regional centres like Rockhampton to host Olympic events, drive tourism opportunities and support community grassroots sport.

The 2032 Delivery Plan puts Rockhampton in line for upgrades to the Rockhampton Fitzroy Rowing Club to host the 2032 rowing and canoe sprint events on the Fitzroy River.

A pair of Stuartholme School rowers head out on to the course during the Queensland Secondary Schools Rowing Championships in Rockhampton.

The Delivery Plan to host athletes and team officials in the new Athlete Village at the Railyards Rejuvenation precinct allows the facility to be transformed into housing after the Games.

The Plan says the upgrade of the Rockhampton Ring Road on the Bruce Highway as part of the $9 billion investment between Brisbane and Cairns would leverage new tourism initiatives.

There is also potential to share in the $250 million Games On! programs with upgrades to grassroots community clubs.

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

Premier David Crisafulli said 2032 would be the Queensland Games.

“These Games are a once-in-a-generation opportunity to deliver an infrastructure, tourism and grassroots sports legacy to benefit all of Queensland,” Premier Crisafulli said.

“Delivering 2032 and Beyond sets the plan to build much more than what’s needed for a few weeks of competition.

“This is a plan that builds for our future, ensuring regional communities continue to benefit for decades to come.

“That includes delivering critical upgrades to the spine of our transport network, the Bruce Highway, between Cairns and Brisbane.

“Come 2032, through better connectivity and the right infrastructure, Rockhampton will be ready to open its doors not only to the Games but to more tourists, more employment and more opportunities.”

Originally published as The bold bid to be an Olympic venue pays off big time for Rockhampton