Rowing experts warn Fitzroy River Olympic venue risks becoming a white elephant

**TL;DR** Rowing leaders say placing the 2032 Olympic rowing events on the Fitzroy River could create a costly, underused facility because most participants live far away.

## Context The Queensland government has selected Rockhampton’s Fitzroy River as the site for rowing and canoeing at the 2032 Brisbane Olympics. Critics argue the location ignores where the sport’s base is concentrated and risks leaving expensive infrastructure idle after the Games.

## Key Facts Nearly 80% of Queensland's rowing participants reside in southeast Queensland, far from the Fitzroy River. Drew Ginn, a five‑time world champion and triple Olympic gold medallist, states that hosting major rowing events on a river is inappropriate and would be baffling for the Olympics. James Merritt, chair of Rowunion Queensland, compares the plan to holding the Melbourne Cup in Birdsville, warning it could become a white elephant.

## What It Means If the Fitzroy venue sees low post‑Olympic use, maintenance costs could fall on taxpayers while athletes face unsuitable conditions. The debate highlights a tension between regional development promises and the practical needs of a sport concentrated in the southeast. Stakeholders will watch whether the government revises the venue plan or proceeds despite the warnings.