Arabic version: رئيس وزراء كوينزلاند يدافع عن دور روكهامبتون في التجديف الأولمبي
According to ABC News, Queensland Premier David Crisafulli has defended Rockhampton’s proposed role in hosting rowing and canoe sprint races for the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games after international rowing leaders raised concerns about the Fitzroy River venue. The state government selected the river, but the site still requires final approval from World Rowing.
At World Rowing’s congress in Amsterdam last week, representatives from New Zealand, Canada, Germany and the UK questioned the location’s sustainability and suitability. German Rowing Federation president Moritz Petri said athletes had raised concerns about being outside the Olympic city and village, and asked whether using the former Sydney 2000 regatta course would be more environmentally sustainable. British Rowing chief executive Tom Salisbury cited concerns about “fairness and delivery”, while Rowing Canada president Tracey Black asked what would happen if the assessment was not favourable.
The Fitzroy River has faced scrutiny over its natural bends, current, flood risk and crocodiles. World Rowing president Jean-Christophe Rolland said the governing body’s detailed technical assessment was continuing and that it would ensure competitors had the conditions needed to perform. Brisbane 2032 chief executive Cindy Hook said organisers would develop contingency plans, as they would for any venue, and cautioned that discussion of alternative locations did not always include full facts.
Mr Crisafulli said he remained confident Rockhampton would provide a “world-class” venue. He described the criticism as coming from interstate and overseas elites who did not want to travel to regional Queensland. Rockhampton MP Donna Kirkland said rowing and canoe sprint would be held in the region and called the site a suitable place for the events.
Rockhampton will host the Queensland Schools’ Championship Regatta on the Fitzroy River from September 19 to 21. More than 800 school-aged rowers from across Queensland are expected for three days of racing in what will be the venue’s first state-level rowing event in five years.
