Rockhampton Regional Council approves replacement of Fitzroy River rowing course

To ensure the Rockhampton region remains a rowing destination, Rockhampton Regional Council has adopted an action plan to replace the Fitzroy River Buoyed Rowing Course.   

This decision follows consultation with the Rowing Technical Advisory Group made up of national, state and local rowing representatives and technical experts to collaboratively explore solutions for both short and long-term challenges.

Parks, Sport and Public Spaces Councillor Cherie Rutherford said risk management as well as future operations and ownership of the course were prioritised as key considerations during the consultation.

Cr Rutherford advised "the decision to replace the buoyed rowing course with an eight-lane facility reflects our commitment to rowing and Council is working diligently to have the course ready in time for the 2025 regatta season.

“The key regatta event in September will attract over 790 participants and 1,200 spectators to the Region and remains a priority as we work to meet the tight procurement deadlines.

“We understand the importance of this asset to our rowing community and similarly, the economic and community benefit that this sport can bring to our Region.

“Council acknowledges a replacement course presents the same risks as the last course.

“To address this, we will be limiting the time the course remains in the water, with priority given to major regattas and national training camps.

“As part of this decision we will also continue to work with key rowing stakeholders to develop a framework for the future ownership and operations of the course. 

“Rowing presents unique challenges for Council due to its environment, and while there is no magic solution, this plan carefully balances the immediate needs of the rowing community today and Council’s financial and operational responsibilities in the future.”

With Council seeking a commitment from both State and National rowing bodies for a schedule of events through to 2034, Cr Rutherford said today’s endorsement of the action plan will allow for the immediate commencement of procurement and construction of the new course. 

The replacement course is estimated to cost $150,000, with $20,000 of Council’s sponsorship funds reallocated from the 2025 Regatta towards the new course.

Rowing Queensland Chief Executive Matt Bialkowski congratulated and thanked the Rockhampton Regional Council following the announcement adding “the continued support from Council for Rowing will further strengthen the growth of our sport across Central Queensland via the reestablishment of a rowing course.

“Rowing Queensland is excited to bring the State Schools Championships to the Fitzroy River in 2025 and 2026, honouring our commitment to the local rowing community following the relocation of the Championship away from Rockhampton as a result of the August 2024 rain event.”