QLD Minister's Ultimatum: Olympic Rowing Must Be on Fitzroy

Queensland's Deputy Premier Jarrod Bleijie has issued a strong ultimatum regarding Olympic rowing for the 2032 Brisbane Games, stating it will not proceed unless held on the Fitzroy River in Rockhampton. This declaration challenges the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and World Rowing, as the Fitzroy River's suitability for international competition has not yet been formally assessed. Concerns have been raised about water quality, weeds, currents, and the natural habitat of saltwater crocodiles within the river.

Despite potential opposition and concerns, Bleijie asserts that Queensland's significant financial investment in the Games provides the government with the authority to dictate the rowing venue. He indicated that if the IOC does not agree to the Fitzroy River location, rowing might be excluded from the 2032 program altogether. This situation mirrors past negotiations where host cities have faced pressure from the IOC to meet high facility standards, sometimes leading to increased investment.

Experts suggest this tactic may be a form of political maneuvering to reassure the Rockhampton region and a typical display of brinkmanship between Olympic hosts and the IOC. While theoretically, the IOC could seek alternative venues, historical patterns indicate that host cities ultimately strive to meet the IOC's demands, suggesting rowing will likely take place in Rockhampton.