It means the Para-stars could now receive financial assistance of AUD$500 (£280/$350/€310) per week.

"Rowing Australia provides financial assistance of AUD$500 per week to support its able-bodied athletes relocating to the two full-time National Training Centres," said performance director Bernard Savage.

"Whilst our Para-rowers are not required to relocate full-time, we recognise that there are still significant challenges relating to pursuing their sporting goals. 

"Rowing Australia is proud to implement this high performance preparation support programme, which will provide eligible Para-rowing athletes on-going weekly payments.

"This support would not have been possible without the support of our principal partner, Hancock Prospecting."

Five-time Para-world champion Erik Horrie described the news as "massive".

"It's a major thing for me, to have that security, knowing that I'm still being paid when we're overseas competing or travelling for competition," he said. 

"It's actually a mental relief for me as I don't have to worry as much about finances now - it makes combining training, living, travelling and also planning a lot easier." 

Gordon Marcks, Rowing Australia's head Para-rowing coach, added: "As a sport, we're proud to have a fully integrated World Championships, with our Para-rowers and able-bodied rowers competing as one team at the event. 

"We're committed to supporting our Para-rowers to achieve their goals, and this is a great announcement for our Para-athletes. 

"For them to receive this type of funding will no doubt help them to focus on their training and competing at the highest level."