Scenic Rim Regional Council Further Drives Bid to Host 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Rowing and Canoeing Events

Scenic Rim Regional Council and key government stakeholders today reiterated the region’s push as the best location suited to host a number of Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games events, including the renowned rowing and canoeing competitions.

One of the region's key natural assets and home of Queensland's State Rowing Centre, Lake Wyaralong, has repeatedly been named as a potential venue for the rowing and canoeing events.

Whilst other Councils have also shown interest in hosting rowing and canoeing events, Scenic Rim Regional Council’s Mayor Tom Sharp said he believes that the Scenic Rim region has one of the best venues in the country to host such sports.

“The Scenic Rim is already home to an impressive range of suitable venues that are already being leveraged by current and future potential Olympians,” he said.

“We take pride in our spectacular region and the world-class facilities that are available throughout its 4,500 square kilometres. This is an opportunity to showcase the splendour of our region to the world and we have the calibre of facilities needed to stage such events.”

“We are proud to have worked with Rowing Australia and Rowing Queensland on our bid to host these events during The Games, both of whom consider Lake Wyaralong as the best rowing site in Queensland."

Mayor Sharp added that the region’s proximity to major hubs like Brisbane and the Gold Coast makes it an ideal location to host events such as rowing and canoeing. He said Lake Wyaralong, as a Queensland State Rowing Facility, stands out as the best choice for these competitions.

Hosting more than 500 athletes at the Lake Wyaralong facility for the 2025 Queensland State Championships this weekend further demonstrates the sport’s support for this well recognised location and of the region as a true hub for rowing excellence.

“We are always excited to bring events to Wyaralong, home of the Queensland State Rowing Centre. This weekend we welcome over 520 athletes from across the State to compete in the Queensland State Championships in the beautiful Scenic Rim,” said Matt Bialkowski, Chief Executive Officer of Rowing Queensland Ltd.

“The support of the Scenic Rim Regional Council has been exceptional since the venue was first established in 2015, and the partnership has gone from strength to strength as our events have grown.”

“2024 saw close to 14,000 race entries across 25 events, attracting over 25,000 spectators to the facility, and we look forward to working with Council as we progress towards the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games,” said Mr Bialkowski.

Fuelled by Southeast Queensland’s continued population and economic growth, Scenic Rim region’s population is projected to grow by 29 percent to over 67,000 by 2041. To support future demands, Scenic Rim Council has proactively planned for thousands of additional dwellings and new jobs between 2016 and 2041.

State Member for Scenic Rim, Jon Krause said the Queensland State Rowing Centre is a venue held by the rowing community to be pre-eminent among rowing venues in Queensland. It has been the “Olympic venue apparent” for rowing and sprint canoe events since 2021 and holding these events in the Scenic Rim ensures a legacy from Brisbane 2032 for the region.

“Brisbane 2032 must deliver legacy benefits for all of Queensland, not just Brisbane,” he said.

“Scenic Rim hosting rowing and sprint canoe events will deliver such a benefit for our region, including an immeasurable boost to the profile of our region on the global stage – not just for tourism and sport, but for our primary industries, our events and for investment in businesses and public assets.”

Earlier this month, Scenic Rim Regional Council submitted a proposal to the Minister for the Olympic and Paralympic Games, advocating for the inclusion of events such as rowing, canoeing and mountain biking. The submission also highlighted the Scenic Rim’s accommodation and connectivity, which leverage public and private partnerships to increase tourism and deliver cultural experiences, and outlines ambitions for a seamless connected transport network.

"In Paris, 65 national rowing teams competed, demonstrating the scale and complexity of an Olympic rowing competition. We are incredibly fortunate to have Wyaralong, Hinz, Moogerah, Maroon, Somerset, and Wivenhoe Dams all within an hour’s drive of Brisbane, providing unmatched opportunities for nations to prepare and train for the games,” said Federal Member for Wright, Scott Bucholz MP.

"While I welcome every Queensland town that wants to be part of the Olympic rowing family, the overwhelming reality is that Wyaralong Dam is the home of Queensland rowing.

"The Brisbane 2032 Olympics are a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to showcase regional Queensland to the world, and Wyaralong Dam in the Scenic Rim is the natural choice to deliver a safe, world-class rowing experience for athletes and spectators alike," said Mr Bucholz.

“The people of the Scenic Rim and the Council of Mayors who helped make the Olympic bid a success, have carried much of the effort in showing why the Olympic Committee should choose Queensland for the 2032 Games. They deserve to see their hard work recognised and rewarded fairly,” Mayor Sharp concluded.