Rowers prefer new Olympic site, as premier digs in over Rockhampton

Sydney Morning Herald

15-07-2025

World Rowing has backed further investigation into a potential Olympic rowing site in Greater Brisbane, but Queensland's premier has again insisted his government will not budge from its plans to host the event on Rockhampton's Fitzroy River.
This masthead has obtained an Urbis report commissioned by the Lake Kurwongbah Flatwater Centre Coalition, which laid out the case for a venue at the dam just north of Brisbane, within the City of Moreton Bay council area.
'Lake Kurwongbah presents an unparalleled opportunity for the Games' regatta venue, promising legacy, accessibility, and sustainability in one compelling package,' Urbis says.
Speaking from his current base in Canada, former Rowing Queensland chairman Richard Paterson – a co-chair of LKFCC, along with prominent Brisbane businessman Steve Wilson – said the proposal was presented to both the Quirk and Games Independent Infrastructure and Coordination Authority reviews.
Paterson said the venue would have the potential to attract international-standard events to Brisbane for decades.
'It will be a very fair course. Its proximity to the third-largest city in Australia is an advantage – it's in a growth corridor that's one of the fastest-growing areas in urban Australia,' he said.
The report finds it would cost $21.6 million and generate an additional $55 million in economic activity for the region over 10 years, noting almost a quarter of a million people live within a 10-kilometre radius of the site.
There would be grandstand seating for 1000 spectators, with a further 9000 to be seated in temporary stands during Olympic competition.
'Lake Kurwongbah's proximity to other Olympic and Paralympic facilities, such as the Moreton Bay Indoor Sports Centre, underscores its ability to enhance connectivity and logistical efficiency across the Games infrastructure network,' Urbis says.