Key facts
- The Fitzroy River, home to about 500 saltwater crocodiles, has been approved as a venue for the 2032 Brisbane Olympics rowing and canoe sprint events.
- Concerns raised by international rowing officials focused on the river's tidal currents and potential flooding, rather than the presence of crocodiles.
- Rowing Queensland head Anthea O'Loughlin stated there have been no recorded crocodile attacks on humans in the river over the past 40 years.
- Queensland Premier David Crisafulli criticized objections to the venue as an attempt by "elites" to avoid regional competition.
- A previous report commissioned by the state government in 2025 had found the location unsuitable for elite competition.
The Fitzroy River in Rockhampton, Queensland, has been officially approved as the venue for the 2032 Brisbane Olympics rowing and canoe sprint events, despite lingering concerns from international rowing officials regarding the fairness of the course and the sustainability of holding events in a regional location. While the river is known to host approximately 500 saltwater crocodiles, historical records dating back over 40 years indicate no instances of attacks on humans. The primary concerns voiced by figures such as British Rowing's chief executive Tom Solesbury and German rowing president Moritz Petri revolve around the river's natural tidal bends and currents, which they argue could compromise the integrity of elite competition. Drew Ginn, an Australian Olympic gold medalist, also cited potential flooding as a concern. Queensland Premier David Crisafulli has strongly defended the venue, characterizing the objections as an attempt by "interstate and overseas elites" to prevent competition in regional Queensland. This decision comes despite a 2025 report commissioned by the state government that had previously deemed the location unsuitable. World Rowing and the International Olympic Committee (IOC) gave their approval following a technical assessment by an engineering firm and the Games' infrastructure authority, which evaluated the riverbed, course, flows, water levels, and expected weather conditions. The state government's backing of Rockhampton means it will proceed with developing facilities, though questions remain about the investment and capacity to host the influx of visitors.
For the school rowers currently competing on the Fitzroy River, the debate over venue suitability is secondary to their familiarity with the water. Many have trained on the river for years, with some progressing to national and international levels.