THE battle for the 2032 Olympic rowing venue continues, as the Games Independent Infrastructure and Coordination Authority (GIICA) 100-Day Review returned a recommendation that the Sydney International Regatta Centre host the flatwater competition.
This recommendation appears to be supported by the Australian Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese, who questioned the Rockhampton decision on podcast Two Good Sports last month.
“Are we really going to do rowing in Rockhampton, on the Fitzroy River, when there are some pretty good facilities in Penrith?” he asked.
The State Government and Rowing Queensland are both adamant rowing will take place in Queensland, with Premier David Crisafulli consistently backing Rockhampton as a venue.
Review Findings
The Review described the delivery of flatwater events at Wyaralong Dam as feasible, but also stated that “the construction and associated costs of the venue do not present value for money or a strong legacy argument, particularly taking into account the costs to develop a satellite athlete village in close proximity to the venue”.
It did not, however, endorse the Rockhampton venue.
“Other locations for Games flatwater events in Queensland are not considered feasible and present considerable delivery and operational challenges,” the report states.
GIICA did recommend the allocation of funding fr upgrades to the Wyaralong and Rockhampton rowing facilities to deliver a positive legacy outcome for the state’s primary rowing training and competition venues.
In addition, by 2032, Seqwater advises that Wyaralong will be connected to the water grid, which may present further challenges.
In the running?
Wyaralong Dam is acknowledged as providing a good field of play with optimal wind conditions, however the capital investment for spectator viewing and connectivity are two of the major challenges to be overcome.
Purpose-built for flatwater rowing, Wyaralong hosts many of the state’s premier rowing events, including the upcoming Queensland Schools’ Championship Regatta, UniSport Australia Nationals Regatta and the Queensland Grade Championship Regatta.
Scenic Rim’s Olympic Sport and Recreation Advisory Committee Chair, Marshall Chalk, echoed the call for rowing to remain in Queensland, pushing for Wyaralong to remain in consideration.
“Lake Wyaralong delivers real value for money and a lasting legacy for our sporting future,” he said.
