David Crisafulli supports Rockhampton’s Oarsome rowing venue for 2032 Games

The Premier stood in front of the 2032 Olympic Rowing venue in Rockhampton and cast aside any doubt about it meeting international course guidelines.

David Crisafulli at a press conference regarding Olympic rowing in Rockhampton.

Queensland Premier David Crisafulli stood in front of the 2032 Olympic rowing venue in Rockhampton today and cast aside any concerns about crocodiles and international course guidelines.

“Absolutely” was his answer when asked if the venue could meet the standards required to hold Olympic events.

“It’s happening in CQ and it’s happening right here in Rocky. There’s no buts on that.

“There’s been a number of people who have said different things (raised concerns) and of course, we will work with the experts to get the best outcome, we always will.

There were plenty of smiles today in Rockhampton as Premier David Crisafulli met politicians, councillors and rowing club members to discuss the exciting 2032 Olympics Rowing announcement.

“But make no mistake, (Olympic) rowing can happen here in Central Queensland. It can be done to a really high standard. It can be done to a safe standard and it can create generational legacy.”

He said the Fitzroy River course was already an outstanding venue and stakeholders would meet every challenge to make the Olympic event happen here.

Concerns that the Fitzroy River current would make it ineligible also seem to be misguided as historical data research by Senator Matt Canavan’s office, and local knowledge, shows there is virtually no flow in the river at that time of year, not withstanding it is located at the Fitzroy River Barrage that holds the water back like a dam, so there is no flow issue.

“If it’s good enough for Central Queensland kids to be on here every day, it’s good enough for international athletes,” Mr Crisafulli said.

“This place has been the venue where we’ve seen state championships and we’ve seen international teams train here. The opportunity to provide an injection into (the Rockhampton Region community) was too good an opportunity to miss.”

He made the observation that the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Rowing course had to be shortened to 1500m and they had also had to overcome current issues.

He made the observation that the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Rowing course had to be shortened to 1500m and they had also had to overcome current issues.

“They’ve found a way through and good on them for doing that,” the Premier said.

“I know the same thing will happen here and I know it’ll be world class and it’s not just about the rowing. The rowing’s really, really, special and this great legacy play, but it’s also having the eyes of the world on a regional centre.

“That means a lot. It’s also about getting some accommodation uplift.”

Rockhampton MP Donna Kirkland, Premier David Crisafulli, Mirani MP Glen Kelly and Rockhampton Mayor Tony Williams with Rockhampton Fitzroy Rowing Club members.

The Rockhampton plan involves housing 1200 rowers and team officials at an Athlete village to be built at the former Bolsover Street Railyards.

Mr Crisafulli said the Deputy Premier was in regular contact with Olympic officials and was speaking to the World Rowing Federation and would continue to take feedback.

When asked if the Queensland Crocodile Management Plan would be amended to increase the croc removal area he said he had spoken t0 the Environment Minister about that option and it could be considered.

AI image of 2032 Olympic Games venues:

“I think (Brisbane 2032 Organizing Committee President) Andrew Liveris summed it up beautifully yesterday,” the Premier said.

“There are sharks in the ocean and yet still we have surfing tournaments and people don’t run around in froth and get all carried away.

“It’s (the rowing course) a pretty safe body of water now. We’ll work well with all of the federations, but it is safe and it is world-class and I want the eyes of the world to look at Central Queensland.

A pair of Stuartholme School rowers head out on to the course during the Queensland Secondary Schools Rowing Championships in Rockhampton.

“You know, I’ll come back to my overarching point. (This course is) used all the time. What a great opportunity to upgrade facilities that can be a benefit for Central Queenslanders and indeed Queensland for generations.”

Mr Crisafulli scoffed and joked at suggestions the event should be moved to Sydney.

“Well, not on my watch” he said.

“To suggest that it should go to Penrith, as a league fan, they’ve won enough in recent years.”