Rowing Australia statement in response to Brisbane 2032 venue proposal

RA has a strong connection to the region, with the Rowsellas having used the venue as a training and staging camp ahead of the Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Games in 2021, with further plans to do the same ahead of LA in 2028 and Brisbane in 2032.

While the facility has been suitable in a training capacity, it has not undergone any technical feasibility study that would confirm its ability to host national or international level racing. 

Fairness and safety are paramount to any venue hosting a regatta of this magnitude and importance, with any river current that could impact results or favour certain lanes not permissible under the rules. Water quality and weed management are also factors to be considered by the International Federation.

RA looks forward to working closely with World Rowing, the International Olympic Committee and Games organisers to work through that process in coming months. 

“Rockhampton has been an enjoyable destination for our Rowsellas on the road to major events. We have always been made to feel at home by the rowing community in Central Queensland and look positively at any proposal that creates rowing infrastructure for regional Australia,” RA Chief Executive Sarah Cook OLY said.

“However, any rowing course used for international racing must pass the strict technical requirements of World Rowing and that assessment has not yet taken place. 

“Athletes dedicate their lives and sacrifice an enormous amount to make their country proud on the biggest stage, so it is paramount that they be given the opportunity to perform in the best possible racing conditions.”

RA will continue to work in good faith with all key stakeholders involved in the venue planning for Brisbane 2032 and thanks the Independent Review Panel and the Queensland Government for their work to this point.