Deputy premier again defends Olympic rowing venue as new report leaked

By Aaron Kelly

ABC Capricornia

Topic:Olympic Games Venues

The Queensland government's controversial plan to host Olympic rowing and canoeing events in Rockhampton is facing further scrutiny. (Getty Images: Cameron Spencer)

In short:

Queensland's deputy premier has declared Rockhampton's Fitzroy River will remain a venue for the 2032 Brisbane Olympic and Paralympic Games.

There are concerns amid ongoing reports the Rockhampton course may not meet international standards.

What's next?

The feasibility process for the Fitzroy River is still being undertaken, while a Moreton Bay proposal has been floated as an alternative venue.

Queensland's deputy premier remains adamant that a controversial central Queensland river chosen as a venue for the Brisbane Olympic and Paralympic Games will host rowing and canoeing events in 2032.

"Rowing will be hosted on the mighty Fitzroy River in Rockhampton as part of a Games that delivers for all of Queensland," Jarrod Bleijie told the ABC.

It comes amid growing commentary and speculation demanding the events be shifted to south-east Queensland or interstate to Sydney.

Jarrod Bleijie says rowing and canoeing events won't be relocated from Rockhampton. (ABC News: Luke Bowden)

The state's Games Independent Infrastructure and Coordination Authority's [GIICA] feasibility study has reportedly found that significant works would need to be undertaken in the Fitzroy River, including widening and dredging in sections to ensure consistent water flow and fairness for athletes.

But Mr Bleijie insisted today the assessment of the Fitzroy River [Tunuba] was ongoing and "initial findings are positive".

The Fitzroy River rowing course has passed initial testing but there are reports it will need to be widened and dredged in some parts. (Supplied: Rockhampton Fitzroy Rowing Club)

"The delivery plan for regional Queensland delivers more than the Olympic and Paralympic events, but essential infrastructure to connect a growing city like Rockhampton, driving investment in tourism and other key industries."

In October, the Rockhampton venue passed initial testing by GIICA, despite the tidal course having a current, being prone to flooding and being home to crocodiles.

Troubled waters

A council north of Brisbane has also announced its plans to potentially lure Olympic events from Rockhampton.

City of Moreton Bay Mayor Peter Flannery (middle) last month announced his council's bold new plans for a Flatwater Rowing Precinct. (Supplied: City of Moreton Bay Council)

World Rowing has recently thrown its weight behind City of Moreton Bay's Olympic proposal after it put forward a new purpose-built flatwater venue for consideration in February.

Moreton Bay Mayor Peter Flannery said his council's proposal should be taken seriously as a solid alternative if the current site does not go ahead.

Rowing Queensland chief executive Anthea O'Loughlin also backed City of Moreton Bay's plan.

City of Moreton Bay's proposed international-standard flatwater course. (Supplied: City of Moreton Bay Council)

She said securing a permanent rowing community home in south-east Queensland with public transport connections and accommodation infrastructure would transform the sport.

City of Moreton Bay is now seeking formal consideration and assessment of the Flatwater Rowing Precinct through the appropriate Olympic and technical review processes.

World Rowing and the International Canoe Federation [ICF] are yet to sign off on the Rockhampton venue, but were committed to the feasibility process for the central Queensland city as the Olympic rowing and canoe sprint venue.

Rockhampton's Fitzroy River has passed initial testing to host international events like the 2032 Brisbane Olympics. (Getty Images: Justin Setterfield)

In a signed joint statement supplied to the ABC, World Rowing president Jean-Christophe Rolland and ICF president Thomas Konietzko said the groups were not ready to give the go-ahead for the Fitzroy and remained committed to ensuring "fair and safe competition".

However, the deputy premier previously warned both bodies Olympic and Paralympic events would not be relocated from Rockhampton.

"Rowing is going to be in Rocky. If they don't want it in Rocky, it ain't happening," Mr Bleijie said last month.