- Rockhampton set to host Olympic rowing at 2032 Games
- Fitzroy River has a healthy population of saltwater crocs
In a bold and controversial move, a river in Queensland known for its large saltwater crocodiles has been chosen to host rowing events for the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
The Fitzroy River, located over 630 kilometres north of Brisbane, is known to host giant saltwater crocs – and is now set to be hosting Olympic rowing events.
The Queensland government is poised to announce the eleventh-hour venue switch, according to a News Corp report.
Deputy Premier and Infrastructure Minister Jarrod Bleijie has stated that the LNP’s commitment was ‘to be not embarrassed on the world stage’.
‘What we’ve committed to is to be not embarrassed on the world stage, to provide generational transport and road and rail infrastructure, and a delivery plan that Queenslanders can be proud of,’ he said.
It’s understood that by having the rowing in the Fitzroy River in Rockhampton, the event won’t have to be shifted to facilities in Penrith, New South Wales.
The Fitzroy River in Rockhampton, around 630km north of Brisbane, is set to host Olympic rowing events – despite the fact it’s home to some very dangerous animals (pictured, rowers at the Paris Games last year)
The Queensland government is reportedly set to announce the eleventh-hour venue switch (the Fitzroy River is pictured)
Rowing Queensland and Rowing Australia have reportedly sent a letter to the state government asking to keep the sport in the state for the Games.
However, The Fitzroy River will have to meet World Rowing’s strict rules – and the presence of saltwater crocodiles, along with some other technical issues, could pose a problem.
Although the river has hosted training camps for the Australian rowing team, crocs are regularly spotted in the Fitzroy.
Earlier this year, a 4m croc made headlines after being spotted cruising along the Fitzroy with a large black dog in its mouth.
The crocodile population has exploded across the Australia’s north since they became a protected species under Australian law in 1970s.
Saltwater crocodiles can live up to 70 years and grow throughout their lives, reaching up to six meters in length, while the proportion of larger crocodiles is also rising.
President of Fitzroy Rowing Club Sarah Black believes the Fitzroy could host Olympic rowing events safely, despite the croc risk.
‘The Fitzroy is a natural habitat for crocodiles, we’re well aware of that,’ she said last month.
Saltwater crocodiles (pictured) are regularly spotted in the river
Earlier this year, a four-metre saltie was recorded swimming along the Fitzroy River with a dog in its jaws (pictured)
Local rowers do not think crocodiles will pose a problem during the Games
‘Some of the reports in the media have been sensationalised, with comments around it being crocodile infested.
‘We certainly have regular liaisons with our department of environment here. Their officers go out and do regular surveys.
‘In terms of major events, local events, even our weekly training, we have processes in place for reporting and talking to our local environmental officers around the different behaviours of crocodiles and understanding their behaviour throughout the year.
‘It is risk managed and something our sport does quite well.’
The plan for the 2032 Games will be delivered to the LNP frontbench this week to receive cabinet approval.