Crocodile-filled river approved for 2032 Olympic rowing despite fairness concerns

The Fitzroy River, which flows through the Queensland city of Rockhampton, has passed a technical assessment and been approved by World Rowing and the International Olympic Committee as the venue for rowing and canoe sprint events at the 2032 Brisbane Olympics and Paralympics.

The river is home to roughly 500 saltwater crocodiles, some growing up to four metres long, though state government records stretching back more than 40 years show no crocodile attacks on humans there. More than 600 teenage rowers compete on the river each year in an annual schools regatta without incident.

Fairness, not crocodiles, the bigger worry

At last month's World Rowing congress in Amsterdam, officials raised concerns less about crocodiles and more about the tidal river's bends and currents, which many in the rowing community argue could make elite competition unfair. Triple Olympic champion Drew Ginn cited worries about potential flooding, while acknowledging he was not especially fearful of the local wildlife.

Germany's rowing federation president said athletes had also questioned the practicality of holding events roughly 600km from Brisbane. Queensland Premier David Crisafulli dismissed such objections, suggesting they came from interstate and overseas figures reluctant to travel to regional Queensland.

On Thursday, World Rowing and the IOC confirmed the river could host fair competition after an engineering firm's assessment of the riverbed, water flows and weather conditions. The canoe sprint governing body also expressed confidence in the venue.

The decision overrides a 2025 report commissioned by the state government itself, which had judged the site unsuitable and recommended reusing the rowing course built for the 2000 Sydney Olympics instead. The Fitzroy River still faces a final assessment covering cost and long-term community benefits before the venue is fully locked in.