Queensland parliament updates: Government says Rockhampton cleared by IOC for Olympic rowing; Youth ‘circuit breaker’ bill to pass

Premier David Crisafulli has just told parliament the International Olympic Committee assessment of the proposed Rockhampton rowing site for the 2032 Olympics has been completed, and has green-lit the Fitzroy River for the events.

“The IOC assessment for the site is complete. The Fitzroy has passed with flying colours. It’s official. It’s official: signed, sealed and delivered,” Crisafulli said.

Deputy Premier Jarrod Bleijie said the site has now been endorsed by international federations World Rowing and Paddle Worldwide “as it can provide fair racing conditions for international standard rowing for 2032”.

“Official endorsement of the Rockhampton flatwater course follows comprehensive and independent technical assessment by renowned international marine engineering experts WaterProof, who are regularly engaged by World Rowing and Paddle Worldwide to consider courses as well as sites, [and] visits by international federation representatives,” Bleijie said.

“The Fitzroy has the space for a full international standard course at a 2.7 kilometres long section, providing sufficient distance for a standard 2,000-metre rowing race, full width of all eight lanes, with room for the necessary start and finish infrastructure. No widening, no dredging needed.”

Bleijie quoted from statements by both international federations, and said the Games Independent Infrastructure and Coordination Authority would now finalise its investigations for the site and deliver the final project validation report to government “in the coming months”, with concept design “well advanced at 80 per cent complete”.