Leader of The Nationals Matt Canavan is calling on the BBC to apologise over the use of fake crocodile vision in a story about Rockhampton obtaining initial approval for the 2032 Olympic Games rowing competition.
Senator Canavan said it was disappointing incorrect vision was already being circulated, on Instagram and online, about the apparent crocodile danger in Rockhampton.
Senator Canavan said the BBC should not only retract the story, but apologise for its scaremongering.
“The BBC’s video used stock footage from the Fitzroy River of scary looking crocodiles, it just was the Fitzroy River in Western Australia. The BBC report was off by just the small amount of 3,500 kilometres!
“This overseas junk clickbait report has been seen by millions and spread total lies about Queensland – it must be stopped.
“This story needs to be removed immediately.
“I can assure international media that any fake reports will come back to ‘bite’ them, because they will soon realise Rockhampton is the perfect choice for the 2032 rowing venue.
“I want to assure international media that the Fitzroy River – the Queensland one – is safe and also the perfect venue for the 2032 Games.”
It comes as the Queensland Schools’ Rowing Championships holds its final day of competition.
Senator Canavan said there is every chance some of the students competing will compete on the world stage.
“It is incredibly exciting to think that among the athletes at the Queensland Schools’ Rowing Championships, some of them could make it all the way to the 2032 Olympic Games.
“These athletes have worked incredibly hard to get where they are, and I have no doubt some, if not all, would feel inspired to continue their sport, knowing that there is a chance to one day compete for Australia right here in Rocky for the Olympic Games.
“It feels like a dream come true to know that Rocky is race-ready for 2032 and I want to thank everyone who has worked so hard and believed in Rockhampton from the start.”
The Fitzroy River has the space for a full international standard course at 2.7km long section, providing sufficient distance for a standard 2000-metre rowing race.
The International Olympics Committee has endorsed the flat-water course after a comprehensive and independent technical assessment by internationally renowned marine engineering experts. World Rowing and Paddle Worldwide also endorsed the course after reviewing the expert data and representatives inspected the site.
“The Fitzroy River will be a wonderful venue, allowing fair competition conditions during the period of the Games. Of course, we already know that, because the Queensland Schools’ Rowing Championships have been the perfect proof of a fair and successful competition.”
