Premier says Olympic rowing concerns 'last hurrah' of 'naysayers'
Queensland's premier dismisses concerns raised about Rockhampton's ability to accommodate Olympic rowing events as the "last hurrah" of people trying to discredit the event.
Queensland's premier, David Crisafulli, has reaffirmed his backing for Rockhampton as the host city for the 2032 Olympic rowing events, despite criticism from various quarters. The premier, along with other political leaders, visited the city to address concerns over accommodation shortages, which he insists will not be a problem.
Critics, including some from the international rowing community, have raised doubts about the suitability of the river course, potential flooding, the presence of crocodiles, and race conditions. However, Crisafulli dismisses these concerns as baseless, stating that every impediment has been easily debunked. The premier emphasized that Rockhampton deserves a fair share of the spotlight and that the event will leave a lasting legacy for the region.
The Queensland government has pledged to secure additional accommodation, with current efforts already underway to increase the number of short-term rental rooms. The premier also highlighted other large-scale events held in Rockhampton, such as Beef Australia, which previously attracted a significant number of visitors without straining the local accommodation market.
The final decision regarding Rockhampton's selection rests with the sport's governing body, World Rowing, which is currently conducting technical assessments.
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