Queensland Premier Rejects Criticism Over 2032 Olympic Rowing Venue
· Sports · ABC News (AU), The Independent
Queensland Premier David Crisafulli has dismissed concerns from international rowing officials regarding the suitability of the Fitzroy River in Rockhampton as a venue for the 2032 Olympic Games. Representatives from Germany, New Zealand, Canada, and the UK raised questions at a World Rowing congress in Amsterdam about the river's sustainability, potential for flooding, and the presence of crocodiles. The Premier described the critics as "overseas elites" attempting to bully the state government into changing the chosen location. World Rowing continues to conduct a technical assessment of the course, with final sign-off still pending. Brisbane 2032 organizers have stated that contingency plans are being developed.
Why it matters
The dispute creates uncertainty for Olympic infrastructure planning in regional Queensland and tests the state government's commitment to hosting events outside the main city of Brisbane.
Read the original report — ABC News (AU)
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