The countdown is on for the future of Central Queensland’s Olympic and Paralympic bids, with the Games Independent Infrastructure and Coordination Authority’s 100-Day Review set for public release in just over a week.
Business and community leaders across Central Queensland are eagerly awaiting the report, which is expected to recommend the locations for each sport in the 2032 Olympic Games. A successful bid would see the 2032 Rowing and Canoeing events held on the Fitzroy River, Sailing events along the Capricorn Coast, and Ocean Rowing hosted at Emu Park — putting Central Queensland on the global sporting stage.
A Strategic Fit for Olympic Success
The guiding principles of the 100-Day Review focus on:
- Maximising the use of existing venues
- Providing value within the agreed funding envelope
- Leveraging investments
- Delivering a legacy focus
- Integrating within existing plans
- Creating benefits for rural and regional Queensland
Central Queensland’s business leaders believe the region is a perfect match for these objectives.
Jason Foss, President of the Capricornia Chamber of Commerce, highlighted the significant economic benefits that hosting Olympic events would bring to the region.
“Hosting the 2032 rowing and canoeing events in Rockhampton would be a game-changer for local businesses,” Mr Foss said.
“This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to drive growth across hospitality, tourism, and retail. New and expanded hotels, cafes and restaurants would create jobs and stimulate investment, strengthening our regional economy for years to come.”
A World-Class Sporting Destination
Federal Member for Capricornia, Michelle Landry, reinforced the region’s credentials as a premier location for competitive rowing and sailing.
“The Fitzroy River is already regarded as a world-class rowing course, with council investing in new rowing lanes.
Keppel Bay is set to host the 2026 sailing world titles — international bodies already see the potential.
We’ve proven we are ready to meet the Olympic challenge and deliver an unforgettable experience.”
Assistant Minister for Central Queensland and Member for Rockhampton, Donna Kirkland, added that the rowing proposal offers clear financial and legacy benefits.
“The Fitzroy River is one of the best natural water rowing courses in the world — sealed by the Rockhampton barrage, free from tidal impact, and already a hub for regional and state championships.
The proposed athletes’ village, with 1,200 beds, would provide long-term housing post-Games, helping to address the region’s housing shortage.”
A Lasting Legacy for the Region
Chair of The Shelter Collective, Dave Grenfell, stressed the importance of the athletes’ village in addressing Rockhampton’s housing crisis.
“With over 1,460 people on the social housing register, the proposal to convert the athletes’ village into affordable housing post-Games would make a real difference in our community.”
CEO of Capricorn Enterprise, Mary Carroll, underlined the tourism benefits of the bid:
“This aligns perfectly with our Towards Tourism 2032 strategy.
With increased airline capacity and direct routes to multiple capital cities, the legacy impact on tourism and the local economy would be enormous.”
Member for Keppel, Nigel Hutton, highlighted the unique opportunity to showcase the Great Barrier Reef.
“Olympic and Paralympic sailing on the Capricorn Coast would be the only medal event to feature one of the natural wonders of the world — a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to promote our region on a global stage.”
Senator for Queensland, Matt Canavan, reinforced that Central Queensland is the ideal location to deliver the long-term benefits the Olympics promised for regional Queensland.
“The Fitzroy River rowing facility is more cost-effective to upgrade than the currently planned site, while offering better access and infrastructure.
This is a strategic, practical and legacy-driven solution that would bring pride to all Queenslanders.”
Building a Stronger Future
The Queensland Government’s final recommendations on Olympic and Paralympic venue locations are due for release on March 25. If successful, Central Queensland could become the heart of Olympic and Paralympic rowing, canoeing and sailing — creating a lasting legacy of sporting excellence and economic growth for the region.