Kritičarji veslanja mislijo, da so "preveč dobri za regionalno Queensland": premier

Queensland Premier David Crisafulli has characterized recent international opposition to hosting Olympic rowing in Rockhampton as elitism, stating that critics view themselves as "too good for regional Queensland." The premier made these remarks on Tuesday on the Sunshine Coast, responding directly to a series of objections raised by global rowing officials during the World Rowing congress in Amsterdam last week. Crisafulli expressed confidence that the state government can deliver a world-class venue on the Fitzroy River, dismissing specific technical concerns regarding the waterway’s conditions. The controversy centers on the selection of the Fitzroy River in Rockhampton for rowing and canoe sprint events for the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games. This choice has been debated since the possibility was first introduced during the Games Independent Infrastructure and Coordination Authority’s 100-day review of Olympic venues. While the Queensland government insists on the Rockhampton site, World Rowing Chief Executive Jean-Christophe Rolland clarified at the Amsterdam conference that the final approval for the field of play rests with the international federation, not the state government. Rolland noted that an in-depth technical assessment is currently ongoing. During the virtual session at the World Rowing congress, Brisbane 2032 Chief Executive Cindy Hook and Chief Sports Officer Kit McConnell faced questioning from skeptical leaders of national rowing federations. Moritz Petri, President of the German Rowing Federation, displayed a map on his screen illustrating road routes from Brisbane to Rockhampton that exceed twelve hours. Petri stated that elite rowers had informed him they did not wish to compete in Rockhampton. He argued that if athletes are not located in the core of the Olympic city or within the Olympic Village, the organizers should utilize the former Sydney 2000 regatta course, which remains available. Petri further asked whether using the existing Sydney course would be more sustainable from an environmental perspective. Crisafulli rejected these arguments, asserting that the criticism stems from interstate and overseas elites who are unwilling to travel to a regional center. He described the opposition as individuals "thumbing their nose" at the idea of holding events outside major metropolitan areas. The premier stated that he had reviewed historical flood records for the Fitzroy River dating back to the mid-19th century, approximately 180 years. Based on this data, Crisafulli claimed he found no instances of flooding in July or August that would prevent the event from taking place. However, World Rowing leadership acknowledged the validity of the concerns raised. Rolland stated that the organization shares the worries of the national federations, citing reports of flooding and previous events at the location that have caused concern. The primary focus of the criticisms aired in Amsterdam was fairness. Swiss Rowing Federation Director Christian Stofer emphasized that safety and fairness are paramount for athletes. Simon Wickham, Chief Executive of Rowing New Zealand, stressed the necessity of providing competitors with a level playing field. Wickham noted that several federations, including New Zealand, have received emails and supporting information from Australian rowers familiar with the venue, expressing deep concerns from an athlete's perspective. Tom Salisbury, Chief Executive of British Rowing and a former Olympic rower, indicated that all matters of fairness must be considered in the delivery of the course. He confirmed that concerns regarding fairness and delivery at the Rockhampton course have been raised with British Rowing by the broader rowing community. Additionally, Tracey Black, President of Rowing Canada, questioned whether constructing a new facility might be considered if the current technical assessment results were not favorable. The scrutiny of the Fitzroy River includes issues beyond logistics. Observers have pointed to the river's natural bends, the presence of currents, its susceptibility to flooding, and the habitat of crocodiles. Despite these factors, Crisafulli maintained that the venue would meet high standards. He framed the dispute as one of attitude rather than capability, suggesting that the resistance is driven by a desire to avoid regional areas. The premier reiterated that the government is committed to the Rockhampton site, viewing the international pushback as an attempt by elites to impose their preferences on the location of Olympic events. The technical assessment led by World Rowing continues, with the international body retaining the authority to approve or reject the course based on its established requirements. National federations from Germany, Switzerland, New Zealand, Britain, and Canada have all formally communicated their reservations to the Brisbane 2032 organizing committee. These communications highlight a divide between the host nation's infrastructure plans and the operational expectations of the sporting community. The outcome of the ongoing technical review will determine whether the Fitzroy River meets the necessary criteria for Olympic competition. Until that sign-off is granted, the debate over the suitability of the regional venue persists among stakeholders involved in the preparation for the 2032 Games.