Despite heritage concerns and First Nations opposition, the Queensland Heritage Council (QHC) has broadened Victoria Park's heritage listing but will not halt plans for the 63,000-seat Brisbane 2032 Olympic stadium. The QHC requires any development to honor the land's cultural significance, while community groups and First Nations leaders pledge to continue fighting the development due to its impact on Indigenous heritage. Separately, the proposed Rockhampton rowing venue on the Fitzroy River faces scrutiny from World Rowing due to safety concerns.

Beach sprint coastal rowing will debut at the LA28 Olympics, featuring a 600-meter course with running, rowing, and slalom. Originating in 2011, the discipline gained IOC approval after successful events like the 2015 Mediterranean Beach Games and the World Rowing Beach Sprint Finals. The event will feature 351 medal events, 22 more than in Paris 2024, with a reinforced focus on gender parity. USRowing and British Rowing are actively training athletes for this new format, which aims to make rowing more accessible and visually appealing. The IOC confirmed its inclusion in the LA28 program on October 13, 2023.

Queensland Premier David Crisafulli defended Rockhampton's Fitzroy River as the rowing venue for the 2032 Brisbane Olympics, citing local precedent and downplaying concerns over crocodiles and currents. Despite ongoing feasibility assessments, concerns remain about water quality, weeds, and riverbed maintenance. Rowing Australia CEO Sarah Cook emphasized the need for fair racing conditions, while Olympic medalist Ross Tong questioned World Rowing's approval. Deputy Premier Jarrod Bleijie compared the situation to Los Angeles 2028, where rules were bent. Andrew Guerin criticized the comparison and Christophe Dubi stated that the final decision rests with World Rowing. Alternative venues include Penrith, Hinze Dam and Wyaralong Dam.

Concerns have arisen regarding the suitability of the Fitzroy River in Rockhampton as a venue for rowing and sprint canoeing at the Brisbane 2032 Olympics due to its strong currents and crocodile population. International Olympic Committee (IOC) officials are considering alternative venues, including the Sydney International Regatta Centre, following an evaluation in July. Outgoing IOC President Thomas Bach attended meetings in Brisbane where Brisbane 2032 organizers received praise for their progress. Kirsty Coventry formally passed on her leadership role in overseeing Brisbane 2032 preparations to Mikaela Cojuangco Jaworski. A final decision on the venue is pending, with the World Rowing Federation scheduled to inspect the Fitzroy River. Alternative options within Queensland include Hinze Dam on the Gold Coast and Wyaralong Dam south of Brisbane.

World Rowing and the International Canoe Federation have voiced opposition to the Fitzroy River as the venue for rowing and canoe sprint events at the Brisbane 2032 Olympics, citing concerns over the river's current affecting fairness and safety. An official technical inspection is scheduled for May 2025 to assess the venue's suitability, while local authorities defend the choice, highlighting the river's history and planned infrastructure upgrades. The debate extends beyond technical considerations, with concerns raised about water quality, environmental factors, and the fairness of racing conditions due to the current.