The confirmation that rowing, para rowing, canoe sprint and para canoe will be held on Rockhampton’s Fitzroy River for the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games is a significant milestone for our region.

World Rowing and Paddle Worldwide have now officially endorsed the Rockhampton flatwater course following extensive technical assessment, allowing detailed planning, design and construction to move forward.

But for our local business community, the opportunity isn’t confined to a few weeks of competition in 2032.

Over the next six years, the planning, investment and activity associated with the Games has the potential to create opportunities across construction, accommodation, hospitality, tourism, transport, professional services, retail and many other sectors.

Our message to local businesses is simple: don’t wait until 2032 to start thinking about 2032.

Now is the time to consider what increased investment and visitation could mean for your business.

Do you have the capacity to grow? Will you need more staff? Could your business supply goods or services to major projects or events? Are there opportunities to collaborate with other local businesses? What investment might you need to make over the next few years?

Rockhampton already knows how to host major events. The opportunity now is to make sure as much of the economic benefit generated on the road to 2032 as possible stays here in Central Queensland.

The Capricornia Chamber of Commerce will continue advocating for local businesses to have meaningful opportunities to participate – not simply during the Games, but throughout the planning, construction and delivery that lead to them.

Six years sounds like a long time. For businesses considering investment, expansion, workforce development or new capability, it really isn’t.

Read the full Queensland Government announcement:
2032 Rowing in Rockhampton endorsed by World Rowing and Paddle Worldwide