Olympic hosts defy ‘naysayers’ on 2032 Games rowing in Rockhampton - AP News
rss:ap-gnews 19d ago
Olympic authorities approved the Fitzroy River in Rockhampton, Australia, as the venue for rowing and canoeing events at the 2032 Games on September 17, 2026, despite concerns about water conditions and crocodile presence. The venue received final sign-off from governing bodies.
Plans to host Olympic rowing events in Rockhampton for the 2032 Brisbane Games are proceeding as of 2026-09-18, despite months of debate over whether the Fitzroy River is suitable. Crocodile presence in the river has been a focal point of concern.
A major Queensland state rowing championship in Rockhampton has imposed restrictions on discussing the proposed Olympic venue ahead of the event on 19 August 2026. Local representatives were warned against addressing the Games amid broader uncertainty over the venue's status.
Billionaire Gina Rinehart sent a letter to Queensland politician Jarrod Bleijie requesting the government consider Rockhampton for Olympic events, revealed on 30 July 2026 through freedom-of-information release. The lobbying predated the LNP's Games Delivery plan announcement.
Queensland authorities cleared the Fitzroy River in Rockhampton on 17 September 2026 to host rowing and canoe events for the 2032 Brisbane Olympics. Officials declared the venue safe and suitable for competition.
Hundreds of young rowers competed in a school regatta on Rockhampton's Fitzroy River on 19 September 2026, the venue earmarked as the Olympic rowing course. The event gave local athletes an early taste of competing for Olympic selection at their future home venue.
Matthew James Cox will face criminal trial in Rockhampton, Queensland, charged with murdering his wife Tayla Black (30) and 11-week-old daughter Murphy in August 2023. The case is proceeding to trial.
Queensland's premier responded to international rowing leaders' concerns about Rockhampton's suitability to host Olympic rowing on 2026-09-08, defending the Fitzroy River location for the 2028 Games. The site had faced ongoing debate since the previous year.
From the banks of the Fitzroy River, it’s easy to see why Rockhampton has a reputation for rowing. But hosting tens of thousands of Olympic fans will be a test.