Queensland Government Celebrates Seven-Year Countdown to Brisbane 2032 Games

As the countdown to the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games reaches the seven-year mark, the Queensland government has reaffirmed its commitment to hosting events in Rockhampton, particularly rowing and canoeing on the Fitzroy River. Premier David Crisafulli visited Rockhampton to mark this significant milestone, dismissing concerns raised about the river's suitability for international competitions and announcing the commencement of technical testing to evaluate the venue's readiness.

The Fitzroy River, which is the largest river catchment flowing to the east coast of Australia, has been the subject of debate regarding its environmental conditions and compliance with international racing standards. Notably, former Olympian Ross Tong has expressed skepticism about the river meeting the required criteria. However, Crisafulli emphasized that the state government is determined to build a world-class rowing venue and has initiated a series of technical evaluations to support this goal.

"Rowing is happening in Rocky, and we’re putting in place the steps to make sure we can build a world-class venue. That’s what good governments do, and that’s our commitment to the people, not just of central Queensland, but to the nation," Crisafulli stated, as reported by ABC News on July 23, 2025.

In support of the project, Shaneel Chandra, a senior lecturer in chemistry at CQUniversity and former acting chief scientific officer in the Office of the Great Barrier Reef and World Heritage, expressed optimism regarding the river's potential. According to Dr. Chandra, "With the right controls, the Fitzroy River will be able to meet international standards overall. There are active management programs in place from weeds to water quality already being monitored, and I have no doubt these efforts will be ramped up in the lead-up to the Games."

The government’s technical assessments will include evaluations of water flows and depths, which are critical for meeting World Rowing's standards. World Rowing officials plan to conduct an independent assessment in Rockhampton, further ensuring compliance with Olympic requirements.

In addition to the rowing venue discussions, the Queensland government has opened expressions of interest for industry stakeholders to contribute to the development of the new Victoria Park precinct, which will feature a 63,000-seat stadium, a National Aquatic Centre, and an athletes' village at the RNA showgrounds. Deputy Premier Jarrod Bleijie described this initiative as a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for industry leaders to help deliver Queensland’s largest infrastructure legacy.

Despite the ambitious plans, concerns linger regarding the timeline and financial transparency of the projects. Shadow Treasurer Shannon Fentiman has criticized the government for not providing cost estimates for the venues, emphasizing the importance of transparency when investing taxpayer funds.

As the Brisbane 2032 Games approach, the Queensland government insists that it is committed to delivering the event within the $7.1 billion joint funding envelope agreed upon with the Commonwealth. Premier Crisafulli reassured stakeholders that while major infrastructure projects are yet to break ground, there remains sufficient time to ensure successful execution, referencing Sydney's timeline leading up to the 2000 Olympics as a comparative framework.

The events surrounding the preparation for the Games highlight both the challenges and opportunities presented by hosting such a significant international event. As preparations continue, the Queensland government aims to build not only a venue but also a legacy of infrastructure and community engagement that will resonate long after the Games conclude.