The leaders of the world's premier rowing and canoeing organizations have dismissed claims that a "green light" has been issued for Olympic and Paralympic paddling events to take place on the Fitzroy River in central Queensland during the 2032 Games. This river, located in Rockhampton, was a contentious choice when it was announced in March. Queensland Premier David Crisafulli emphasized that the Brisbane 2032 Games would be "a Queensland Games for all of Queensland."

Earlier this week, it was reported that the Fitzroy River had successfully passed initial testing by the Games Independent Infrastructure and Coordination Authority (GIICA). Rockhampton Senator Matt Canavan stated, "Effectively now we have a green light for rowing in 2032."

The state's feasibility study of the Fitzroy River is assessing various factors, including river flow, water levels, and the suitability of the field of play, in line with International Federation and Games standards. Planning and approval processes for Olympic venues are currently underway across Queensland, pending funding for design.

However, in a joint statement released on Friday, World Rowing President Jean-Christophe Rolland and International Canoe Federation (ICF) President Thomas Konietzko clarified that their organizations have not yet approved the Fitzroy River as a venue. They expressed their commitment to ensuring "fair and safe competition."

The statement noted, "World Rowing and the International Canoe Federation have been made aware of recent statements regarding the Fitzroy River in Rockhampton and its suitability as the proposed venue for Classic Rowing and Canoeing at the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games. At this stage, World Rowing and ICF have not yet received any information related to the technical studies and feasibility assessments currently in progress."

The organizations reiterated their adherence to the evaluation process agreed upon by all relevant parties, emphasizing their dedication to selecting a venue that meets the necessary technical standards for competition.

During a visit to Rockhampton this week, Premier Crisafulli asserted that the Fitzroy River would host the rowing events in 2032, regardless of the international bodies' assessments. "Rowing is going to happen in Rockhampton — it's a promise I made to people and that's what we're delivering," he stated.

World Rowing and the ICF are conducting their own technical evaluations of the river, but a deadline for the results has not yet been announced. The opening ceremony of the 2032 Olympics in Brisbane is scheduled for July 23, with the Games running until August 8. There are currently 2,481 days remaining until the event begins.