World Rowing has raised significant concerns over the selection of Rockhampton’s Fitzroy River as the rowing venue for the 2032 Olympic Games, contradicting claims by Queensland’s Crisafulli government that the site has been definitively approved. The organization’s president, Jean-Christophe Rolland, expressed doubts about the suitability of the flood-prone river, warning that heavy rainfall could jeopardize the event’s delivery.

Premier David Crisafulli had previously stated that the international rowing and canoe authorities had endorsed the Fitzroy River following a technical assessment. However, Rolland, a three-time Olympian and gold medallist, told French sports media outlet Francis Jeux that the venue remains unapproved until several key issues are addressed. He emphasized that despite the assessment suggesting “likely fair” conditions, the river’s propensity for flooding—demonstrated twice already this year—poses a serious risk during the Olympic period.

“We expect the organising committee to assure us that the site is compliant and to address our remaining concerns regarding flooding,” Rolland said. “If the river floods in the months leading up to the Games, we will have a major problem delivering them. These questions are still unanswered. Until we have the answers, we cannot guarantee that this venue is approved. As of now, it is not approved.” He added that a comprehensive technical analysis covering aspects such as course markings, infrastructure for athletes and spectators, and race facilities is expected by the end of this year or early next year.

The debate over the venue has stirred division within Australia’s rowing community, many of whom argue that the site’s conditions could unfairly impact athletes due to the unpredictable currents. These concerns have been dismissed by Deputy Premier Jarrod Bleijie, who characterized the opponents as “elites” resistant to regional development.

Meanwhile, the Brisbane 2032 Olympic organising committee is undergoing leadership changes amid growing pressure to secure key sponsorships and manage costs. Following the departure of chief executive officer Cindy Hook, Premier Crisafulli acknowledged the need for leadership with a different skill set to advance preparations. Hook’s contract was ending, and the government denied claims she was forced out, describing the transition as part of a normal progression to the next phase of planning.

Securing commercial and broadcast partnerships is a priority as the committee aims to meet Olympic financial protocols requiring the Games to be cost-neutral. Francois-Xavier Bonnaillie, the committee’s chief commercial officer with a reported $700,000 annual salary, faces expectations to attract significant international sponsors. Although the Commonwealth Bank has been confirmed as a founding partner with a $5 million contribution for the 2025-26 financial year, further sponsorship agreements remain pending.

Financial disclosures also revealed that the Queensland Treasury Corporation substantially increased the organising committee’s working capital loan, raising it from $50 million to $150 million in June, with the credit facility set to expire in July 2028.

Responding to questions about Hook’s exit during a press conference on the Gold Coast, Crisafulli said there was no coercion involved. “Her contract is coming to an end, so I can only say that as clear as I can,” he stated. “I wish her well. The contract’s to the end and the opportunity now is for the organisation to go to the next level.”