The Fitzroy River in Rockhampton, Queensland, which is home to about 500 saltwater crocodiles, has been approved as a venue for rowing and canoe sprint events at the 2032 Brisbane Olympic and Paralympic Games.
The river course has passed an independent technical assessment examining whether it can provide suitable and consistent conditions for competition. The assessment considered river flows, water levels, weather patterns, wind and wave conditions, flood risks and the operation of the Fitzroy Barrage.
The assessment was commissioned by the Games Independent Infrastructure and Coordination Authority (GIICA) and carried out by marine engineering experts WaterProof Marine Consultancy and Services B.V. It included riverbed surveys, on-water testing and modelling under different conditions expected during the Games period.
The assessment did not specifically evaluate the presence of crocodiles. The Fitzroy River is known to be a habitat for saltwater crocodiles, with local authorities already operating crocodile-management and safety procedures when the animals are spotted.
The venue has already been used for rowing and other flatwater sports, including school championships, local regattas and national team training camps.
World Rowing and Paddle Worldwide both endorsed the findings, concluding that the course can provide a safe, fair and consistent field of play for Olympic and Paralympic rowing, canoe sprint and related events.
World Rowing President Jean-Christophe Rolland said the analysis showed that the Fitzroy River could provide fair competition conditions during the Games in line with Olympic and Paralympic requirements.
Paddle Worldwide President Thomas Konietzko also welcomed the technical assessment, saying the work had provided greater understanding of the course and increased confidence that it could deliver fair conditions for canoe sprint competitors.
The decision follows months of debate over whether the Fitzroy River was suitable for an Olympic venue. While crocodiles attracted much of the public attention, concerns had also focused on the river’s strong currents and whether they could create unequal conditions between lanes.
The International Olympic Committee has now signed off on the Rockhampton venue, allowing Queensland authorities to move forward with detailed planning, design and construction work.
Brisbane 2032 President Andrew Liveris previously played down concerns about crocodiles, comparing the situation to other sporting activities that take place in waters where marine predators are present.
The Fitzroy River venue is part of plans to bring some Brisbane 2032 events to regional Queensland. Proposed upgrades will expand the existing flatwater facility with additional infrastructure and amenities, with organisers also highlighting potential long-term benefits for sport and the Rockhampton community.
Saltwater crocodiles, commonly known in Australia as “Salties”, can live in both freshwater and saltwater environments and grow to more than six metres in length.
