Queensland Prepares for Brisbane Olympic and Paralympic Games in Seven Years

One of Queensland's leading environmental scientists says with the 'right controls', the Fitzroy River in central Queensland will be able to meet rowing's strict international racing criteria for the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Today marks seven years until the Games begin with Premier David Crisafulli taking to the water in Rockhampton to mark the occasion.

The state government selected the city to host rowing and canoeing events on the Fitzroy River — the largest river catchment flowing to the east coast of Australia.

River debate rages Photo shows Ross Tong in a shirt, ocean in the background. Former Olympian says Olympic rowing venue will not meet international standards.

But the proposal has faced backlash from national and international bodies that have warned that the river is not up to standard.

Technical testing, commissioned by the Games Independent Infrastructure and Coordination Authority (GIICA), commenced today.

'Rowing is happening in Rocky and we're putting in place the steps to make sure we can build a world-class venue,' Mr Crisafulli said.

'That's what good governments do and that's our commitment to the people, not just of central Queensland, but to the nation.'

David Crisafulli says his government is committed to Rockhampton hosting the rowing at the 2032 Olympics and Paralympics. (ABC Capricornia: Aaron Kelly)

The government will use the tests — from water flows to depths — to make its case to World Rowing officials that the river is suitable for the Olympics.

World Rowing officials will travel to Rockhampton to conduct a separate technical assessment.

Shaneel Chandra is a senior lecturer in chemistry at CQUniversity and former acting chief scientific officer in the Office of the Great Barrier Reef and World Heritage, Department of Environment, Science and Innovation.

Dr Chandra backed the technical testing being undertaken by GIICA.

Shaneel Chandra says the Fitzroy River will pass technical testing. (Supplied: CQUniversity)

'I believe that with the right controls, the Fitzroy River will be able to meet the international standards overall,' he said.

'There are active management programs in place from weeds to water quality already being monitored, and I have no doubt these efforts will be ramped up in the lead-up to the Games.'

Crocodile habitat to host Olympic rowing events Photo shows Jess Morrison and Annabelle McIntyre of Australia rowing in the women's pairs Exciting news for regional Rockhampton as it learns it will host Brisbane Olympics rowing, but the sport's governing bodies have concerns the Fitzroy River — crocodile country — may not meet international standards.

Mr Crisafulli said the management of crocodiles would also be part of the assessment.

It has been four years since Brisbane won the right to host the event in 2032, and major infrastructure projects are yet to break ground.

The premier said there was still plenty of time.

'At this point, seven years out, Sydney hadn't even been awarded the Games yet,' he said.

'So we do have time, and we've got a plan to execute it, and we are going to deliver generational opportunities for this state.

'To those who say it can't be done, never write off a Queenslander. We prove that time and time again.'

Premier David Crisafulli, officials and high school students count down seven years until the 2032 Games in Rockhampton. (ABC Capricornia: Aaron Kelly)

Submissions open to transform Games stadium site

The state government has also opened expressions of interest to industry to identify opportunities for the new Victoria Park precinct.

The site will host the new 63,000-seat stadium, the National Aquatic Centre at the Spring Hill Centenary Pool, and an athletes' village at the RNA showgrounds.

The government has called for submissions to explore improved connectivity and green spaces.

'This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for industry leaders to help deliver Queensland's largest infrastructure legacy,' Deputy Premier Jarrod Bleijie said.

GIICA has appointed a new chief executive to ensure the delivery of projects.

An artist's impression of the new stadium at Victoria Park for the 2032 Olympic Games. (Supplied)

Simon Crooks, who most recently led the Queens Wharf precinct construction, said he was confident sites could be delivered in time for the event.

'To be honest, my job is to get on and get delivering, to start work on getting people pushing shovels in the ground and working,' he said.

' I think seven years is perfectly achievable. '

The state government today reiterated its commitment to deliver the Games within the $7.1 billion joint funding envelope with the Commonwealth.

However, Mr Crisafulli would not be drawn on costings of specific projects, including the National Aquatic Centre.

Shadow Treasurer Shannon Fentiman accused the premier of 'hiding things from taxpayers'.

'That's what's called being in government,' she said.

'You release cost estimates, and it is so important when you're investing billions of taxpayer funds that you can at least give some indication to taxpayers what these venues are going to cost.'