Anthony Albanese has cast doubt over some of Brisbane’s Olympic venues for 2032.
Speaking on the Two Good Sports podcast on Friday, the PM suggested some sports could be played out of Sydney.
“Are we really going to do rowing in Rockhampton on the Fitzroy River? When there are some pretty good facilities in Penrith?” Albanese asked.
Albanese hinted that some events could be on the move, less than three months after the reveal of Queensland’s 2032 vision.
“It might be that you can’t just do everything in one spot,” he said.
The Queensland government begs to differ, rejecting calls to move rowing from the Fitzroy River in Rockhampton.
“That is the plan; they are the venues. The plan is not changing,” State Housing Minister Sam O’Connor said.
While the Prime Minister’s comments may have opened the door to changes to the Olympic plan, Tennis Queensland is sticking firm with its plans for a substantial upgrade at Pat Rafter Arena, including a new 3000-seat indoor arena.
“The Premier confirmed in March that Olympic and Paralympic tennis will be played in Brisbane, and we’ve had productive discussions since,” Tennis Queensland said in a statement.
The housing minister also rubbished claims that a venue spat could put the joint $7 billion funding agreement at risk.
“I’m not going to buy into those hypotheticals, we have a plan, we have a great plan,” O’Connor said.
Rowing Queensland Chief Executive Anthea O’Loughlin said the body welcomed the PM’s engagement in the discussion about rowing’s location.
“We support the decision to keep rowing in Queensland and look forward to continued discussion on legacy, value and long-term benefit to the sport.”
“We continue to engage and support the State Government, the Brisbane 2032 Organising Committee and other key stakeholders to ensure rowing is delivered to international standards and leaves a meaningful legacy for our sport in Queensland.”
