February 10, 2026 — 3:54pm
A council north of Brisbane is laying plans to potentially lure Olympic rowing away from Rockhampton and the troubled waters of the Fitzroy River. The City of Moreton Bay council is set to discuss two items related to the 2032 Brisbane Olympic Games during its meeting on Wednesday. One proposal involves transforming a quarry into an Olympic-quality rowing facility, while the other is listed as an “additional sport opportunity” for the Games.
Little is known about the specifics of the proposal, but the quarry’s operator has expressed support. Located just north of Bald Hills, the Lawnton Quarry on the North Pine River is currently operated by Boral Concrete. This development follows months of speculation regarding the Fitzroy River’s suitability as the current rowing venue for the Games.
Concerns Over Rockhampton’s Venue
The Games Independent Infrastructure Coordination Authority (GIICA) initially suggested Rockhampton host the rowing events. However, they are still conducting a technical review, which began in July 2025, to assess the Fitzroy River’s suitability. Concerns have been raised about the river’s fast currents and significant crocodile population, which could pose challenges for Olympic-level competition.
A spokesperson for the Brisbane 2032 Organising Committee stated that they would await the completion of GIICA’s review before making an official decision.
“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.
Exploring Alternative Venues
Meanwhile, other potential venues have been considered, including Lake Kurwongbah north of Brisbane, Wyaralong Dam south of Brisbane, Hinze Dam on the Gold Coast, and the Sydney International Regatta Centre at Penrith, which was built for the 2000 Olympics on the site of a former quarry.
Despite these discussions, Queensland Premier David Crisafulli expressed confidence in Rockhampton as the venue.
“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.”
Implications and Future Steps
The move by Moreton Bay represents a strategic effort to capitalize on the ongoing uncertainty surrounding Rockhampton’s suitability. By proposing an alternative, the council aims to position itself as a viable option should the Fitzroy River be deemed inadequate.
As the debate continues, stakeholders are keenly awaiting the results of GIICA’s review, which will significantly influence the final decision. The outcome could have broader implications for the region, potentially impacting local economies and infrastructure development.
Rowing Australia and the City of Moreton Bay have been contacted for comment, and further updates are expected as discussions progress.
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