Australian organizers are determined to hold the Olympic rowing regatta in Rockhampton's Fitzroy River for the 2032 Brisbane Games. Queensland Premier David Crisafulli dismissed critics of the plans, labeling them elitist. He confirmed rowing and canoeing events will take place in Rockhampton, despite some critics expressing concerns about crocodiles, tidal currents, and accommodation shortages. In a media conference at the Rockhampton Rowing Club on Thursday, Premier David Crisafulli said: " I want to put it beyond doubt: rowing and canoeing in 2032 will be held in Rocky. No ifs, no buts, no maybes ... I say to the naysayers, ‘Sorry, we’re not for turning.’” World Rowing is conducting a technical assessment of the venue.
In this photo provided by the Rockhampton Regional Council, rowers paddle on the Fitzroy River at Rockhampton, Australia, on July 24, 2025. (Rockhampton Regional Council via AP)
Second placed Netherlands' team poses after mixed eight final during the World Rowing Championships in Amsterdam, Netherlands, Sunday, Aug. 30, 2026. (AP Photo/Patrick Post)
Netherlands' Roos ee Jong and Simon van Dorp react after winning the mixed doubles sculls final during the World Rowing Championships in Amsterdam, Netherlands, Sunday, Aug. 30, 2026. (AP Photo/Patrick Post)
Netherlands' Roos ee Jong and Simon van Dorp react after winning the mixed doubles sculls final during the World Rowing Championships in Amsterdam, Netherlands, Sunday, Aug. 30, 2026. (AP Photo/Patrick Post)
Team USA poses after winning the third place in woman's eight final during the World Rowing Championships in Amsterdam, Netherlands, Sunday, Aug. 30, 2026. (AP Photo/Patrick Post)
Netherlands' Roos ee Jong and Simon van Dorp reacts after winning the mixed doubles sculls final during the World Rowing Championships in Amsterdam, Netherlands, Sunday, Aug. 30, 2026. (AP Photo/Patrick Post)
Netherlands' Roos ee Jong and Simon van Dorp in action to win the mixed doubles sculls final during the World Rowing Championships in Amsterdam, Netherlands, Sunday, Aug. 30, 2026. (AP Photo/Patrick Post)
Netherlands' Roos ee Jong and Simon van Dorp in action to win the mixed doubles sculls final during the World Rowing Championships in Amsterdam, Netherlands, Sunday, Aug. 30, 2026. (AP Photo/Patrick Post)
Germany's Oliver Zeidler reacts after winning men's singe sculls final during the World Rowing Championships in Amsterdam, Netherlands, Sunday, Aug. 30, 2026. (AP Photo/Patrick Post)
