Fitzroy River with 500 Crocodiles Approved for 2032 Brisbane Olympics Rowing
Key Points
- The Fitzroy River in Rockhampton, Queensland, passed an independent technical assessment for the 2032 Brisbane Olympics rowing and canoeing events.
- The venue is home to approximately 500 saltwater crocodiles, which can grow to excess of six metres long.
- World Rowing President Jean-Christophe Rolland and Paddle Worldwide President Thomas Konietzko both endorsed the course after extensive technical analysis.
Paddle Worldwide President Thomas Konietzko, representing canoe sprint athletes, said: "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."
The Fitzroy River Flatwater Facility is already an established training and competition venue for flatwater sports, supporting school state championships, local regattas, and national team training camps. Contingency plans are already in place at events held there for when saltwater crocodiles, known locally as Salties, are spotted. These reptiles can grow to excess of six metres long and live in both freshwater and saltwater environments.
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Brisbane 2032 President Andrew Liveris previously downplayed safety concerns about the crocodile population. "There are sharks in the ocean and we're still surfing... it's a can do, not a can't do - please change the mindset here," he said last year. Following Thursday's approval, Liveris stated: "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."
The venue selection demonstrates that existing safety protocols at the facility have proven sufficient for competitive events. Both World Rowing and Paddle Worldwide conducted extensive technical analysis before endorsing the course, signalling confidence in its ability to meet international Olympic standards despite the established crocodile population.
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Sources: BBC Sport and other international news outlets.
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