After passing technical tests, Fitzroy River in Australia is one step closer to hosting canoeing and rowing events during the 2032 Brisbane Olympics.

The waterway, which is 600 km north of Brisbane, was a controversial choice for the Olympic Games in March due to concerns over its currents.

Matt Canavan, a Queensland lawmaker, told Australian Broadcasting Corporation that the river has passed the initial tests by the Games Independent Infrastructure and Coordination Authority.

Canavan said that the event will be rowing in 2032. He is a member of an advisory panel. "All the data are in -- there's no barrier to rowing here anymore."

World Rowing, the global rowing federation, will be convinced that the river is fit for the Games based on the results of the tests, which include water flow and depth.

Canavan said, "We did this testing just to be sure. Now we know that this river is as flat as a board."

"I mean, I think if Jesus Christ came back, this would be a good place for him because it is flat enough to walk."

The river, which is home to many crocodiles is also used by local clubs, schools and elite rowers for training.

The 2032 Olympics will also feature sprint canoe events on the river. Reporting by Ian Ransom, Melbourne; Editing Clarence Fernandez

(source: Reuters)