MEDIA ANNOUNCEMENT

ROWING QUEENSLAND MEDIA RELEASE

Endorsement by World Rowing and the International Canoe Federation of the Independent Technical Assessment of the Rockhampton Flatwater Venue

Rowing Queensland acknowledges the announcement by the Queensland Government confirming the endorsement of the technical assessment of the Fitzroy River as the preferred venue for rowing and canoe sprint at the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games by World Rowing and International Canoe Federation.

We recognise the importance of this announcement for Rockhampton and the Central Queensland community and remain committed to supporting the growth and development of rowing across the region. 

We note the technical assessment is one phase of the Project Validation Report process in connection with the venue. Rowing Queensland is not involved in this process but is ready to respond to the needs of key stakeholders as it progresses.

The Government's statement references legacy outcomes and investment in the sport. With the number of rowers continuing to grow, Rowing Queensland looks forward to receiving details on these commitments and understanding how they will translate into lasting benefits for athletes and clubs in the rowing community across Queensland.

We also welcome the announcement by the City of Moreton Bay of its intention to proceed to develop a rowing course at Lawnton to provide a competition and training venue. We look forward to working with the City of Moreton Bay, one of the fastest growing regions in the country, to help deliver a permanent Home of Rowing in Southeast Queensland where more than 80% of our members reside. This will support the primary pillar of our Infrastructure Plan which is to lift venues in North, Central and Southeast Queensland to be able to host major competitions and support the development of Queensland Rowers. We will continue to work other councils to support the improvement of rowing facilities around the State.

Our immediate focus now turns back to the Fitzroy River, where we look forward to welcoming hundreds of young rowers, their families and supporters to Rockhampton for the Queensland Schools' Championship this weekend.

This is such an exciting time for Rowing in Queensland with participation rates now exceeding 6,000 with growth in participation by women’s and para-athletes. Queensland is not only the proud holder of the King’s Cup but is also has the second highest participation by State in the country. We are fully committed to continue this growth to the broadest base in the regions and cities of Queensland.