2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games

Monday 18 March, 2024

Updated 3:30pm

The sport of Rowing welcomed the independent review into venue allocations for the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games (the Games), as established by the Queensland Government in January of this year. Rowing Queensland (RQ) appreciated the opportunity to meet with and present to the 60-day Review Panel (the Panel) on two occasions, as well as the ability to supply additional supporting information into the viability of suitable rowing venues across Southeast Queensland (SEQ) for the consideration of the Panel.

RQ today has acknowledged the State Government’s decision to adopt the recommendations presented by the Panel to progress with the development of the Olympic and Paralympic regatta course at Lake Wyaralong in the Scenic Rim.

A joint statement issued today by Premier Miles and Minister Grace accepting 27 of 30 recommendations by the Panel included the recommendation to proceed with further consideration of exact siting at Wyaralong.

From the outset, the 2032 legacy goal for Rowing at a whole-of-sport level has been the approval of an 8-10 lane, 2,000m buoyed course and associated infrastructure that provides long-term legacy outcomes for the sport - developed and delivered in SEQ. This ambition has remained unchanged.

In November 2023, the first independent review was conducted into the Wyaralong Flat Water centre (WFC), which identified several project challenges.  The review recommended stakeholders identify and explore alternative venues in SEQ, as well as the Sydney International Regatta Centre (SIRC).  

Since the 60-day review was called, RQ has been actively involved in several State Government working groups and planning sessions to review over ten venues in SEQ that were reconsidered as possible regatta venues. Two venues provided the most plausible outcomes, being Lake Wyaralong and Lake Kurwongbah.  RQ provided key supporting information into these two locations as well as a case for why the Games regatta must remain in SEQ and not be allocated to SIRC.

Rowing is Australia’s fourth most successful Olympic Sport when considering both Gold medals and total medals won.  A legacy Rowing venue in SEQ will enhance the participation growth, advance regatta calendars and enable Queensland Olympic and Paralympic rowers to shine in front of a home crowd.

RQ is excited to have the opportunity to establish key legacy outcomes for our sport as we progress towards 2032.  We look forward to working with the Queensland and Australian rowing community, Scenic Rim Regional Council, Queensland Government and the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Organising Committee to maximise the benefits to our sport over the coming years.