City of Moreton Bay puts forward Australia’s best new flatwater venue
Published 11 February 2026
City of Moreton Bay today unanimously resolved to formally release its Flatwater Rowing Precinct for consideration, as an international standard venue for rowing and paddle sports, at the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games and beyond.
City of Moreton Bay Mayor Peter Flannery said Council’s proposal should be taken seriously as a solid alternative to the current site if it does not go ahead.
“This is not about a single moment in 2032. It is about creating infrastructure that is used every day, supports future generations, and leaves Queensland stronger long after the Games are over.”
“Our proposal provides the International Olympic Committee, and the State and Federal Governments, a cost effective, ready-made solution to keep rowing in Queensland.
“Having an international standard flatwater rowing and paddle sports venue in the heart of South East Queensland, with prime public transport access via Petrie rail station, approximately a half hour to Brisbane CBD via train and under 40 minutes to Brisbane Airport, is a no brainer.”
In a unique partnership, Council today also committed to supporting development of the Precinct with Boral who have form delivering significant flatwater infrastructure, including the Penrith Lakes development used for the 2000 Olympics.
“Together, we see the potential for a world class facility based in Queensland that will exceed the current capacity of Penrith as a Category A facility, meets the dire need of our 5,000 SEQ registered rowers, and also supports daily community use, school programs, club competitions and high-performance pathways
“The whole site will be further reimagined to include additional recreation and sporting facilities, an urban koala reserve, pedestrian connections to our 2032 Olympic and Paralympic venue, the Moreton Bay Indoor Sports Centre, as well as an exciting new lakeside residential community to alleviate the City’s chronic undersupply of housing.
“We are serious. This is about putting forward a credible and well-developed proposal, strongly supported by sporting bodies, delivery partners and athletes, focused on doing what is right for the sport and for Queensland’s legacy beyond the Games.”
In today’s media, Rowing Queensland CEO Anthea O’Loughlin backed City of Moreton Bay’s plan. She said that securing a permanent rowing community home in southeast Queensland with public transport connections and accommodation infrastructure would transform the sport.
O’Loughlin noted that City of Moreton Bay’s proposed international-standard flatwater course, which could deliver a much-needed permanent home and a lasting legacy for rowing in Queensland.
Delivery partner Boral said the precinct offers strong fundamentals for practical, staged delivery.
“Our focus is on ensuring infrastructure is fit-for-purpose, deliverable and designed for long-term use, not just for the Games,” said Boral’s Executive General Manager Property, Planning and Environment, Kate Jackson.
Mayor Peter Flannery said the proposal meets international Category A standard credentials and aligns with International Olympic Committee principles for permanent venues to demonstrate clear long-term demand, sustainability and community benefit.
City of Moreton Bay is now seeking formal consideration and assessment of the Flatwater Precinct through the appropriate Olympic and technical review processes.
Council respects the current technical reviews being undertaken for the current venue and welcomes an independent assessment process that seriously reviews City of Moreton Bay’s Flatwater Rowing Precinct.
City of Moreton Bay will continue to work constructively with sporting bodies, delivery partners and all levels of government to support outcomes that benefit Queensland sport and communities before, during and after the Brisbane 2032 Games.