Bell and Landry Challenge Wells on Rocky Rowing
8 Oct | '2026
ANGIE BELL MP
Shadow Minister for The Arts
Shadow Minister for Youth
Shadow Minister for Sport
Member for Moncrieff
MICHELLE LANDRY MP
Member for Capricornia
JOINT MEDIA RELEASE
Shadow Minister for Sport Angie Bell MP and Capricornia MP Michelle Landry MP have called on Federal Sport Minister Anika Wells to get out of Canberra, come to Rockhampton and see first-hand why the Fitzroy River is the right choice to host Olympic rowing in 2032.
The Fitzroy is no stranger to major rowing events, with competitions regularly held on the river, demonstrating its capability as a proven course for athletes across Queensland.
The venue has undergone an independent technical assessment process, with the International Olympic Committee determining the Fitzroy River to be a suitable venue for Olympic rowing.
Shadow Minister for Sport, Angie Bell said hosting Olympic rowing in Rockhampton will deliver a lasting legacy for Central Queensland.
“This is about more than hosting an Olympic event – it’s about showing young Queenslanders that you don’t need to grow up in a capital city to have a shot at reaching the world stage,” Ms Bell said.
“Instead of talking down regional Queensland from Canberra, Minister Wells should come here and see for herself why this community is so excited to share their home with the world in 2032.”
“The Coalition backs the regions, we back Rocky rowing, and we back the Crisafulli Government’s vision that the Olympics are for every corner of Queensland – not just Brisbane.”
Federal Member for Capricornia Michelle Landry MP said, “Bringing rowing and canoeing events to Rockhampton is about so much more than the competition itself; it is an opportunity to use the 2032 Games as a catalyst to grow tourism, attract investment and generate wider business and economic activity across Central Queensland.”
“The opportunity begins well before 2032 and will continue long after the final medal has been awarded.”
“Just as importantly, having Olympic and Paralympic competition right here in our own backyard will inspire the next generation of Central Queensland athletes, no matter their sport.”
“I want young people sitting on the banks of the Fitzroy River in 2032 to watch the world’s best compete and think, ‘That could be me one day.’”
ENDS