Rowing Queensland has imposed new media restrictions on athletes, coaches and rowing representatives ahead of an upcoming state schools regatta at the proposed Brisbane 2032 rowing venue.
Next month's Queensland Schools' Championship Regatta will bring more than 800 school-aged rowers from across Queensland to Rockhampton for three days of racing on the Fitzroy River, the controversial venue selected to host rowing and canoe sprint events at the 2032 Olympics and Paralympics.
It will be the first state-level rowing event held at the venue in five years, placing a renewed spotlight on the Fitzroy River's suitability for major competition.
But in a significant development, the ABC understands local rowing representatives preparing for the championships were told they could not discuss or promote the Olympics in media interviews.
Rowing Queensland has confirmed it introduced a stricter media accreditation process for the event amid heightened media interest and safeguarding concerns around school-aged rowers.
Chief executive Anthea O'Loughlin said she appreciated the increased interest in rowing in Rockhampton given its link to Brisbane 2032, but the schools' regatta should not be viewed as a test or demonstration event for the Olympics.
"At the request of the local rowing club, Rowing Queensland has introduced a media accreditation process for the championship," Ms O'Loughlin said.
She said locals were free to discuss the Olympics and events coming to Rockhampton but stressed the upcoming regatta was a school event being held on infrastructure appropriate for school sport.
The Queensland government has repeatedly defended the Fitzroy River as a suitable venue for the 2032 Games, dismissing concerns about the natural river course, flooding, crocodiles, infrastructure and racing conditions.
Speaking in Toowoomba on Thursday morning, Queensland Deputy Premier Jarrod Bleijie said he was disappointed there were restrictions on "people talking positively about rowing on the mighty Fitzroy River".
"People should be able to talk openly about the benefits of regional Queensland, the benefits of rowing on the mighty Fitzroy River and how great it's going to be in 2032," he said.
The proposal to hold Olympic rowing on the Fitzroy River was first championed by a Central Queensland advocacy group which included Queensland senator and National Party leader Matt Canavan.
"The Rockhampton rowing course is at the centre of everything with an airport, highway and a CBD within minutes," Senator Canavan said at the time.
"It just all stacks up. I think the Games should deliver for all of Queensland."
Mining magnate Gina Rinehart also wrote to Queensland's deputy premier advocating for Olympic rowing and canoeing to be held in Rockhampton before the venue was selected.
Rowing Queensland supports the Queensland government in hosting the Olympic and Paralympic Games in the state but says the proposed Rockhampton venue remains subject to the technical and venue planning processes associated with hosting an Olympic event.
Ms O'Loughlin said the existing Rockhampton course and infrastructure were appropriate for a school-level competition but were not representative of what would be required for a national, international or Olympic rowing event.
"The rowing community awaits the release of information on the Olympic venue location and infrastructure, which has yet to be published by the Queensland government," she said.
Concerns have nevertheless been raised by rowing bodies and elite Australian rowers about fairness, tidal currents and the suitability of a natural river course, including issues around flooding and crocodile management, with some advocating for dedicated facilities in south-east Queensland or interstate.
Rowing Australia said the technical assessment of the Rockhampton venue was a matter for the relevant authorities, including World Rowing and the International Olympic Committee.
It said it would continue to support key stakeholders involved in planning for Brisbane 2032.
Asked where Rowing Queensland believed Olympic rowing should be held, Ms O'Loughlin said the organisation was not involved in the venue-selection process.
"Rowing Queensland awaits the outcomes of the relevant technical review, including the assessment by World Rowing."
In March, the state's Games Independent Infrastructure and Coordination Authority progressed its feasibility assessment for the Rockhampton Flatwater Facility to evaluate two preferred layouts, moving the high-stakes 2032 Games venue into its next detailed planning phase.
Deputy Premier Jarrod Bleijie said the latest progress ensured the Rockhampton community and competitors could have confidence in the Fitzroy.
"We're working well with the rowing and canoeing international federations, as well as the IOC and our Games delivery partners to deliver an incredible venue and competition in 2032, and a long-lasting legacy for Rockhampton."
The Queensland Schools' Championship Regatta will be held on the Fitzroy River from September 19 to 21, marking the pinnacle event and conclusion of the 2026 Queensland school rowing season.
