Australian Rowers will have state-of-the-art facilities as they prepare for the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games thanks to a new National Rowing Centre of Excellence on Lake Burley Griffin in Canberra.

Opening the new facility today, Minister for Sport Mark Arbib said the new facilities would ensure Australia’s rowers were given every chance to succeed in London.

'This new centre is jointly operated by Rowing Australia and the Australian Institute of Sport and will provide our elite rowers with the best training and coaching support available,' Senator Arbib said.

'The Australian Government has committed $2.2 million for the ongoing operations of the centre in the lead-up to the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games and beyond.

'Rowing has provided Australia with some of our most fantastic Olympic victories and with this centre we will ensure our rowers continue to succeed at the highest level.'

Senator Arbib also announced a $350 000 funding boost to Australia’s top rowers under the Government’s Green and Gold project.

'The aim of the Green and Gold project is to direct funding to key Olympic sports where it will make a difference,' Senator Arbib said.

'This funding boost will enable our rowers to have the best possible training and preparation for London.'

Joining Senator Arbib at the opening, Rowing Australia CEO Andrew Dee also welcomed the Government’s commitment to Australian rowing.

'Rowing Australia is thrilled with the ongoing support of the Australian Government,' Dee said.

'This new facility, combined with the extra funding from the Green and Gold project, will greatly assist us in preparing our athletes in the pursuit of Olympic and Paralympic success.'

Senator Arbib said the Government contributed almost $8 million in annual funding to Rowing Australia, including a recent $300 000 boost to sports participation initiatives and programs.

'We are committed to supporting rowing at every level, from elite sports to grassroots participation,' Senator Arbib said. 

'You never know when we are going to find our next 'Oarsome Foursome' and we need to ensure all Australians have the opportunity to try this fantastic sport.'