Qld ministers unable to confirm if they have read Olympic rowing report

In short:

Queensland government ministers have not said whether they have read the Fitzroy River's full technical assessment report for the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games and it has not been released publicly.

David Crisafulli last week announced that international sporting bodies had endorsed Rockhampton, despite previous concerns over the river's suitability.

What's next?

The International Olympic Committee has yet to approve a sustainability and environmental report.

Queensland ministers have been unable to confirm whether they have read the full assessment into the suitability of Rockhampton's river to host Olympic events almost a week after the premier announced it had passed "with flying colours".

The technical assessment, conducted by the Games Independent Infrastructure and Coordination Authority (GIICA) and marine engineering firm WaterProof, has also not been released publicly.

David Crisafulli announced in state parliament on Thursday the Fitzroy River had been endorsed by international governing bodies to host rowing and canoe sprint events for the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

"It's official, signed, sealed and delivered," Mr Crisafulli said.

The assessment included extensive on-water investigations and modelling to understand how the course would perform under a range of conditions, weather patterns, water levels and flood risk.

It follows scrutiny over the river's natural bends, the course having a current, being prone to flooding and being home to crocodiles.

Critics have warned the state government it is not over the line yet with the International Olympic Committee yet to approve a sustainability and environmental report.

GIICA has also not finalised a project validation report on the site's design, value for money and legacy.

When questioned on Tuesday, Tourism and Environment Minister Andrew Powell said he had not read the full assessment but that it was a "normal part of the process in the lead-up to hosting the Games".

"My understanding is we got advice from the international bodies of rowing and canoeing that said their assessment showed the Fitzroy River is ready to host a fantastic 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games," he said.

When asked why the full assessment had not been released, Mr Powell said it was "not my report".

On Monday, Mr Crisafulli would not answer whether he had read the full technical assessment, noting the government was not involved in the process.

"I can only point to you for the comments of the experts," he said. "I have read the comments. I make the observation it has passed with flying colours."

Deputy Premier and Infrastructure Minister Jarrod Bleijie also did not say whether he had read the full assessment when he fronted reporters in Rockhampton on Monday.

Member for Rockhampton Donna Kirkland, whose region is set to benefit from hosting Olympic rowing, would also not confirm she had read the independent technical assessment.

“It's not my report to see, but World Rowing has advised based on the analysis, the mighty Fitzroy River is capable of providing fair competition conditions during the Games, consistent with Olympic and Paralympic Rowing requirements,” Ms Kirkland said.

“We're now focused on delivering a world-class event on a world-class course."

Rowing Queensland chief executive Anthea O'Loughlin told the ABC on Tuesday the sport's state body had not seen the technical report.

"We note the technical assessment is one phase of the Project Validation Report process in connection with the venue," Ms O'Loughlin said.

"Rowing Queensland is not involved in this process but is ready to respond to the needs of key stakeholders as it progresses."

'Several elements' yet to be confirmed

In a joint statement on Friday, World Rowing, Paddle Worldwide, Rowing Australia and Paddle Australia acknowledged the confirmation the Rockhampton course could provide a "safe, fair and consistent field of play under the conditions assessed".

However, the governing bodies said as part of the next phase of venue planning, "several additional elements are requested to be confirmed".

Speaking in Rockhampton on Tuesday, Nationals leader Matt Canavan said the Fitzroy River ticked all the boxes for the 2032 Games.