Federal Member for Capricornia Michelle Landry has hit back at Federal Sports Minister Anika Wells over comments questioning the progress of Rockhampton’s Fitzroy River as the venue for rowing and canoe sprint events at the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
Ms Landry said the Minister’s comments fly in the face of the measured assessment process undertaken to determine the suitability of the Fitzroy River and the strong community support behind Rockhampton’s Olympic opportunity.
“Perhaps instead of questioning Rockhampton from afar, the Federal Sports Minister should come to Central Queensland, stand on the banks of the Fitzroy and see why our community is so passionate about bringing the Games to our region,” Ms Landry said.
“World Rowing, Paddle Worldwide, Rowing Australia and Paddle Australia have acknowledged the independent assessment confirming the Rockhampton Flatwater Course can provide a safe, fair and consistent field of play suitable for Olympic and Paralympic rowing and canoe sprint competition.
“The Crisafulli Government has allowed the independent technical process to do its work, and the Project Validation Report process is continuing.”
Leader of The Nationals, Senator Matt Canavan, one of the first to advocate for bringing Olympic rowing to Rockhampton, said the Queensland Schools’ Championship Regatta last weekend demonstrated exactly why the Fitzroy River was the right choice.
“My son competed at the Queensland Schools’ Championships last weekend, alongside hundreds of young rowers from across the state, on the same stretch of the Fitzroy proposed to host the world’s best athletes in 2032,” Senator Canavan said.
“As a rowing parent, I saw firsthand how successfully Rockhampton hosted a major regatta and the excitement among young competitors about the prospect of the Olympic and Paralympic Games coming here.
“Some of the young athletes racing on the Fitzroy last weekend could themselves be representing Australia on this course in 2032. That is an incredible legacy to offer the next generation of regional athletes.
“The Fitzroy also gives us an opportunity to showcase the beauty of Central Queensland and regional Australia to a global audience.
“The Federal Government should get behind Rockhampton and work constructively with the Queensland Government to deliver the best possible Games in 2032.”
Ms Landry suggested Minister Wells should visit Rockhampton and see the Fitzroy River course firsthand.
“Minister Wells has found time during her tenure to attend AFL Grand Finals, and other major sporting events, as well as family ski trips. Perhaps it is time the Minister came to Rockhampton and saw firsthand how this project could transform our region.
“Come and see the Fitzroy. Meet our rowers, sporting organisations, businesses and families, and speak to the young Queenslanders who raced here last weekend.
“This isn’t just about rowing and canoeing. It is about ensuring the 2032 Games genuinely belong to all Queenslanders and leave a legacy beyond Brisbane.
“There is further work to be done through the Project Validation Report process, and nobody is suggesting that should be circumvented.
“But rather than questioning Rockhampton from Canberra, come and see what our region has to offer.
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Media Contacts:
Senator Canavan: Kerrod Gream | 0411 260 463
Michelle Landry: Gordon Watson | 0418 908 159
