00:01This Fitzroy River in Rockhampton in central Queensland
00:05has been the subject of now constant debate
00:07since it was announced as the location for rowing and canoe sprints
00:11at the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
00:15Concerns have ranged from the flow of the river,
00:17the course distance, the presence of crocodiles,
00:20and a shortage of accommodation,
00:22with some suggesting the event should be hosted elsewhere.
00:25The Queensland Government has stood firm,
00:27labelling these concerns as the last hurrah from naysayers
00:31who don't want to come to regional Queensland.
00:34Now, after the independent assessment on the river,
00:37the peak bodies for the sports, world rowing and paddle worldwide,
00:41have endorsed the course,
00:42saying it can provide a safe, fair and consistent field of play
00:46suitable for Olympic and Paralympic rowing and canoe sprint competitions.
00:51The State Government says the river won't need widening or dredging for the course,
00:55saying the barrage just to the left of me is the river's secret weapon,
00:59making this section much like a dam.
01:02Local rowing groups say the news is fantastic.
01:05Locally, we've always been really proud of what we've had here.
01:08We've loved hosting major events.
01:10We love hosting our local events.
01:12It's great for grassroots sports.
01:14So, yeah, it's just fantastic that Rockhampton's going to be on the world stage.
01:18So we're thrilled.
01:19The local council has also welcomed the news,
01:22saying now it's time to get down to business.
01:24This is going to motivate our next wave of Olympians.
01:27So maybe in 2032, some of these people rowing here this weekend
01:30will come back fully motivated and inspired to be world champions.
01:33So we know all that.
01:35So now it's our time to put the hard work in and show the world.
01:38The news comes on the eve of the city getting ready to host 800 young rowers
01:42for the Queensland Schools Championship Regatta this weekend.
01:45Hopefully, there's a time 밑ed.
01:46The only way we can be prepared for the daily� lump.
01:46Very well with that.
01:46So, as long as comments from her friends also have to influence the sense
01:46Hey, before you dooh, this weekend or the event,
01:48You
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