The Queensland government has doubled down on its determination to hold Olympic rowing on the Fitzroy River, despite mounting concerns over available infrastructure, and fairness and safety.
In a lengthy press conference at the Rockhampton Rowing Club, Premier David Crisafulli, deputy Jarrod Bleijie and local MP Donna Kirkland all lashed out at "naysayers", again accusing critics of elitism.
"I want to put it beyond doubt: rowing and canoeing in 2032 will be held in Rocky," Mr Crisafulli told reporters on Thursday.
"No ifs, no buts, no maybes ... I say to the naysayers, sorry, we're not for turning."
Addressing concerns that there was insufficient accommodation at Rockhampton to house athletes and spectators, Mr Bleijie accused critics of snobbery.
"They think regional Queensland is beneath them," he said.
Facilities that would be built at Rockhampton and elsewhere would leave a legacy that would outlast the Games, Mr Bleijie added.
He insisted an athlete's village housing 1200 would be built in time for the event, along with housing and hotel developments.
G'day from Rocky and the banks of the Fitzroy River.
— David Crisafulli (@DavidCrisafulli) September 9, 2026
This incredible community will host rowing during the 2032 Games - and we're here today to let them know we back them.
But it isn't just about the event - it's about delivering the generational infrastructure, better roads… pic.twitter.com/mQGTDp6jvh
Hotel rooms in Rockhampton are in short supply ahead of an upcoming state school regatta, expected to host about 800 students and families.
"The campaign that's being run at the moment is there's not enough accommodation," he said.
"Well, that same campaign was run months ago in Brisbane, and that's why we're unlocking land right across the state."
Mr Crisafulli and Mr Bleijie effectively threw down the gauntlet to World Rowing, which has the final say on the 2032 venue and is conducting a technical assessment of the Fitzroy River.
At a recent World Rowing congress meeting, the British, New Zealand and German federations all told Olympic 2032 bosses their athletes were worried about the venue's fairness, safety and sustainability.
They cited a petition asking for the venue to be built in southeast Queensland that was signed by more than 500 athletes, including Oarsome Foursome member Drew Ginn.
The Fitzroy River is inhabited by crocodiles, but the major concern of rowing federations is the river's technical suitability for racing due to tidal movements, winds and currents.
The last time a river was used for Olympic rowing was in London 1948, when races were held on the Thames.
An alternative $250 million proposal for Moreton Bay, north of Brisbane, is being promoted by the local council as a world‑standard course at about half the cost of Rockhampton's site.
