The crocodile‑infested Fitzroy River has been selected as the venue for rowing and canoeing at the 2032 Brisbane Olympics and Paralympics
A crocodile‑inhabited river in Australia has been chosen as the venue for rowing and canoeing at the 2032 Brisbane Olympics and Paralympics.
The Fitzroy River in Queensland passed a full technical assessment before being approved, The Telegraph has reported. It is already used for school championships, local regattas and national team training camps. However, the stretch of water is home to an estimated 500 saltwater crocodiles, some capable of reaching six feet in length and weighing up to 1,000 kilograms.
The Games Independent Infrastructure and Coordination Authority said the Fitzroy River Flatwater Facility is ‘a recognised rowing facility’ and noted that contingency measures are in place for any crocodile sightings, with officials previously assured of athlete safety.
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Brisbane 2032 president Andrew Liveris has repeatedly dismissed concerns about crocodile risks. “There are sharks in the ocean and we’re still surfing…” he said last year.
“It’s a can-do, not a can’t do – please change the mindset here.”
Meanwhile, Jean-Christophe Rolland, the president of World Rowing, added: “Based on the extensive analysis undertaken, we now know that the Fitzroy River is capable of providing fair competition conditions during the period of the Games, consistent with the requirements of Olympic and Paralympic Rowing.”
Thomas Konietzko, the president of Paddle Worldwide, continued: “The quality and depth of the technical work undertaken has significantly improved our understanding of the field of play and provides confidence to us and our athletes that the course can deliver fair competition for Canoe Sprint athletes.”
A spokesperson for Brisbane 2032 said: “The endorsement provides additional certainty as we move into the next phase of venue planning and Games delivery, ensuring all future design and operational work continues to focus solely on Rockhampton.”
Additional concerns have been raised about strong currents.
A group of 542 rowers has written to the state government requesting that the venue be located in southeast Queensland, highlighting issues of fairness, safety and sustainability.