Hot on the heels of Australian Prime Minster Anthony Albanese suggesting rowing at the Brisbane 2032 Games be moved away from Queensland, the New South Wales Government has announced a $4 million upgrade to that state’s rowing and canoeing facilities.
Speaking recently on the Two Good Sports podcast, Mr Albanese said there was “a bit of a debate going on” over how the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games would look.
“For example, are we really going to do rowing in Rockhampton on the Fitzroy River when there are some pretty good facilities at Penrith?” he said during the podcast.
Queensland Premier David Crisafulli has since reaffirmed his commitment to host all 2032 Olympic and Paralympic events in Queensland, including the rowing on Rockhampton’s Fitzroy River.
In the meantime, the New South Wales Government announced this week funds would be allocated to upgrade the Sydney International Regatta Centre and Penrith Whitewater Stadium.
New South Wales Sports Minster Steve Kamper said $4 million would be spent on improvements to the precinct including the installation of a sluice gate, aquatic weed control to enhance water flow, regular water quality testing and reporting, the use of sonic buoys to prevent algae outbreaks, drainage line repairs to reduce flooding and erosion restoration around stormwater infrastructure.
Minister Kamper said the funding would provide a timely boost to the venues before they appeared on the world stage hosting the International Canoe Federation’s Slalom World Championships for the first time in more than 20 years.
He said from September 29 to October 4 this year, international crowds would gather at Fox Island to witness more than 300 world-class competitors from 50 nations battle it out in the Canoe Slalom.
“Among them will be the Australian team, featuring Olympic Gold Medallists Jessica and Noemie Fox, along with fellow Olympians Tim Anderson and Tristan Carter.
“While the upgrades to the Olympic precinct will support the delivery of the International Canoe Federation Slalom World Championships, it will also leave a legacy that inspires the next generation of paddlers to strive for Olympic and World Cup gold like Jess and Noemie Fox.”
