Brisbane 2032 Olympic organisers remain committed to hosting rowing events on the Fitzroy River in central Queensland, despite ongoing concerns about strong tides and the waterway’s natural crocodile habitat.
The Rockhampton river, located some 600km (370 miles) north of Brisbane, drew a mixed reception when proposed as an Olympic venue a year ago, primarily due to its challenging currents.
Former Olympic rowing champion Drew Ginn warned some athletes could face disadvantage from lane placement, while a northern Brisbane council suggested an alternative in Moreton Bay. Last month, 500 rowers signed an open letter demanding a rethink.
However, Queensland state Olympic minister Tim Mander affirmed organisers are not seeking alternatives.
“We are committed to it, we’re not looking at alternatives. The rowing will be at Rockhampton,” he told reporters. “There’s no reason to be looking at alternatives when you have the level of confidence that we have.”
The river passed initial testing by the Games Independent Infrastructure and Coordination Authority last October.
An expert from World Rowing, the international federation, is expected to assess the venue in coming weeks, with a decision on endorsement by mid-year.
World Rowing noted potential issues last year but pledged to ensure athlete safety and competitive integrity.
Mr Mander added there was nothing unusual about the upcoming assessment, stating: “There’s not one thing that they’ve said that would give us concern with regard to going forward.”
Australia is set to host the summer Olympics in 2032 for the first time since Sydney staged the 2000 Games.
Australia also hosted the Olympics back in 1956, when the Games took place in Melbourne.
Before the 2032 Olympics in Brisbane, the 2028 Games are due to head to Los Angeles, USA.
The host city for the 2036 Games is yet to be confirmed, although India has confirmed it will bid for Ahmedabad to stage the Olympics in that year.
