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February 10, 2026 — 4:54pm
A council north of Brisbane is laying plans to potentially lure Olympic rowing away from Rockhampton and the troubled waters of the Fitzroy River.
Two items relating to the 2032 Brisbane Olympic Games will be brought up when the City of Moreton Bay council meets on Wednesday.
One is for a flatwater precinct that would transform a quarry into an Olympic-quality rowing facility.
The other is on the agenda simply as an “additional sport opportunity” for the 2032 Olympic Games.
Little is known about the proposal other than council’s plan to discuss it, and that the quarry’s operator is on board.
Just north of Bald Hills, the Lawnton Quarry, on the North Pine River, is currently run by Boral Concrete.
The proposal follows months of speculation about whether the Fitzroy River in Rockhampton – the current rowing venue for the Games – is suitable for Olympic-level competition.
The Games Independent Infrastructure Coordination Authority (GIICA) suggested Rockhampton host the rowing, but is still completing a technical review that began in July 2025 of the Fitzroy’s suitability.
Some experts have claimed the river is too susceptible to fast currents, while others have highlighted its large crocodile population.
In a statement, a Brisbane 2032 Organising Committee spokesperson said they would wait on the completion of GIICA’s review before an official decision is made.
“The Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games Organising Committee (Brisbane 2032) will continue to liaise with all stakeholders, including the International Olympic Committee, relevant sports associations and GIICA as analysis progresses,” they said.
Other options floated as potential venues are Lake Kurwongbah, north of Brisbane, the Wyaralong Dam, south of Brisbane, Hinze Dam on the Gold Coast, and Sydney International Regatta Centre at Penrith, which was built for the 2000 Olympics – also on the site of a former quarry.
Asked in July, Premier David Crisafulli said he was certain the rowing would be held in Rockhampton.
“Rowing’s happening in Rocky,” he said.
“We’re putting in place the steps to make sure that we can build a world-class venue here – that’s what good governments do, and that’s our commitment to people not just in central Queensland, but to the nation.”
Rowing Australia and the City of Moreton Bay have been contacted for comment.
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