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Elite Rowers Slam 'White Elephant' Olympic Plan
19 Apr
Summary
- Rowing legends criticize the Fitzroy River venue for 2032 Brisbane Olympics.
- Critics fear the venue will become a costly, underused 'white elephant'.
- An alternative proposal favors a permanent rowing hub near Brisbane.
Olympic gold medalists Drew Ginn and James Tomkins are among prominent figures in the rowing community expressing strong objections to the Queensland government's plan to host rowing and canoeing events for the 2032 Brisbane Olympics on the Fitzroy River in Rockhampton. Critics, including Gary Merritt, chair of Rowunion Queensland, argue that establishing highly specialized infrastructure more than 600km north of Brisbane is an inefficient use of resources.
Merritt and over 500 signatories of an open letter suggest that this location, far from the state's major rowing hubs and schools, is likely to become a costly 'white elephant' post-Games. They advocate for a "once-in-a-generation opportunity" to develop a permanent, well-placed rowing facility in south-east Queensland, where nearly 80% of the state's rowers reside.
While Queensland's Deputy Premier, Jarrod Bleijie, has defended the Fitzroy proposal, dismissing critics as "elites" and "agitators," Ginn emphasizes the need for a fair playing field and world-class conditions for athletes. He contrasts the potential Fitzroy venue with the successful legacy of the Penrith Regatta Centre from the Sydney 2000 Games, highlighting the importance of strategic placement and ongoing community use for Olympic infrastructure.
