The Crisafulli government’s insistence that rowing will be held in Rockhampton, or not at all, has been undercut by an internal government briefing that acknowledges the Commonwealth can withdraw and reallocate funding for the venue if international approval is not secured.
The briefing, obtained by this masthead under Right to Information legislation, reveals federal funding for the Rockhampton flatwater rowing facility is not guaranteed, despite repeated public assurances that the venue decision is settled.
Rather, the meeting brief prepared for Deputy Premier Jarrod Bleijie reveals Commonwealth funding is explicitly conditional on international accreditation, with the federal government able to direct the money elsewhere should the Fitzroy River fail to meet final technical requirements.
“The Intergovernmental Agreement with the Australian Government notes that Commonwealth funding for the Rockhampton Flatwater Facility is subject to accreditation approvals, with the right reserved to reallocate funds should requirements not be met,” Bleijie was advised in a departmental briefing ahead of a meeting with the CQ32 Rowing Legacy Advisory Committee in November.
That clause meant the Commonwealth was not locked into funding the venue if the two governing bodies – World Rowing and the International Canoe Federation – refused a final sign‑off, a scenario that Bleijie and Premier David Crisafulli have publicly played down or dismissed.
A spokeswoman for federal Infrastructure Minister Catherine King confirmed that stance on Tuesday.
“Australian government investment decisions for Games venues are supported by comprehensive project validation and assurance work, which must demonstrate value for money and long-term community benefit,” she said.
“In the case of the proposed Rockhampton Flatwater Facility, the government’s investment decision is subject to approval from the relevant accreditation organisations for use at the Games.”
According to the briefing, Bleijie’s meeting with the advisory group – a body chaired by local state MP Donna Kirkland and including Senator Matt Canavan and federal LNP MP Michelle Landry – proceeded without a departmental representative, and without documented consultation with sporting bodies or affected community groups.
Last month, Bleijie was adamant that the Olympic rowing would be held on the Fitzroy River, regardless of what the sporting authorities determined.
“Rowing is going to be in Rocky. If they don’t want it in Rocky, it ain’t happening,” he said. “That’s a big call for the [International Olympic Committee], so I think they should just proceed.”
Late on Tuesday, he was just as emphatic.
“Rowing will be hosted on the mighty Fitzroy River in Rockhampton as part of a Games that delivers for all of Queensland,” he said in a statement to this masthead.
“The delivery plan for regional Queensland delivers more than the Olympic and Paralympic events, but essential infrastructure to connect a growing city like Rockhampton, driving investment in tourism and other key industries.
“The assessment of the Fitzroy River, in line with the other venues, is ongoing and the initial findings are positive, and we’re continuing to work closely with Games delivery partners, including the federal government, to deliver a facility the community can be proud of.”
Labor Opposition Olympics spokeswoman Grace Grace said Crisafulli had promised rowing in Rockhampton and must deliver it.
“The biggest tragedy here is the deputy premier going to war with the officials, which could result in Queensland missing out on the great sport of Olympic rowing,” she said.
“The premier must keep his deputy premier under control because Queenslanders deserve better – after all, it is their Games.”
While the ABC reported Canavan’s comments that “all the data” was in and there was no barrier to hosting rowing in Rockhampton, officials advised Bleijie that critical steps – including international accreditation – still lay ahead.
“The article claimed the CQ32 Rowing Legacy Committee confirmed the Fitzroy River had passed initial testing by GIICA; however, the feasibility is still ongoing, which will then allow GIICA’s [Project Validation Report] process to progress,” the State Development Department told Bleijie.
Start the day with a summary of the day’s most important and interesting stories, analysis and insights. Sign up for our Morning Edition newsletter.