Central Queensland's Fitzroy River is under the spotlight after World Rowing president Jean-Christophe Rolland raised concerns about it hosting the 2032 regatta.
The news emerged as Brisbane Olympic CEO Cindy Hook stood down after reportedly having misgivings about the Queensland government's insistence the site host rowing, sparking accusations she was "pushed out".
Mr Rolland was quoted in French media saying questions remained unanswered about the Rockhampton site's flooding risk and "as of now it is not approved".
It contradicted the Queensland government's insistence the venue was "signed, sealed and delivered" for 2032.
Asked about his stance, World Rowing on Friday backed its president.
"World Rowing has no further comment to add beyond the joint press release issued with Paddle Worldwide on September 18 and the recent public comments made by the World Rowing president, which together clearly reflect World Rowing's current position," it told AAP in a statement.
In the joint release World Rowing acknowledged an independent technical report on the site, saying it could provide a "safe, fair and consistent field of play under the conditions assessed".
Premier David Crisafulli said international governing bodies had endorsed the site as he announced in parliament in September the Fitzroy River had passed the technical report "with flying colours".
However the joint rowing-paddle release also said it had requested "several additional elements" be confirmed as part of the venue planning's next phase.
"These include technical details and confirmation of service levels and facilities needed for Olympic and Paralympic level competition," it said.
Mr Rolland specified his concerns in French media.
"If the river floods in the months leading up to the Games, we will have a major problem delivering them. These questions are still unanswered," he told French sport media outlet Francs Jeux.
"Until we have the answers, we cannot guarantee that this venue is approved. As of now, it is not approved."
The Fitzroy River was unable to host the 2024 Queensland Schools Regatta due to flooding.
Asked about the president's flooding concerns on Thursday, Deputy Premier Jarrod Bleijie said: "There's hypotheticals for everything".
It came amid claims Ms Hook stepped down after feeling "suffocated" by the Queensland government and had concerns about its insistence the Fitzroy River host rowing.
Ms Hook on Tuesday announced she would not be renewing her four-year contract when it expired in early 2027.
Mr Crisafulli denied reports his government had concerns about Ms Hook spending time in her native United States and wanted a new CEO to oversee 2032's next phase.
Asked why Ms Hook was "pushed out", Olympic Minister Tim Mander on Friday said: "I don't accept the inference.
"Nobody said she was pushed out.
"She has brought the organisation up to the stage where we have a vision, our emblem. She's done a good job and her contract is finishing."
22°C