‘Can do, not can’t do’: World rowing panel greenlights Fitzroy River for 2032 Brisbane Olympics, crocodiles and all

A 5.2-metre male crocodile was found in a creek along the Fitzroy River near Rockhampton, Brisbane in Australia with a single gunshot wound to the head in 2017. The croc-infested waters have been confirmed by the World Rowing and Olympic authorities to be the rowing venue for the 2032 Olympics. — Queensland Police Service pic via AFP

First Published: Thursday, 17 Sep 2026 9:00 PM MYT

SYDNEY, Sept 17 — A river home to crocodiles was approved Thursday as the 2032 Brisbane Olympics rowing and canoeing venue by the sport’s governing bodies after a “thorough and robust assessment”.

The Fitzroy River in Rockhampton, around 600 kilometres (372 miles) north of Queensland state capital Brisbane, which will be the Olympics hub, is a controversial choice.

While a saltwater crocodile habitat, the main concerns were around technical specifications and the venue’s fairness.

The river is prone to flooding and has strong currents that can create uneven competition conditions, while a lack of accommodation options for rowers and spectators was also an issue.

Thousands of people signed a petition to have the events moved to a purpose-built facility nearer to Brisbane.

But an independent assessment declared it fit for purpose and it was endorsed by governing bodies World Rowing and Paddle Worldwide (formerly International Canoe Federation), along with Olympic organisers.

World Rowing President Jean-Christophe Rolland said ensuring fair and equal conditions for athletes was the driver in requesting a “thorough and robust” assessment, which looked at river flows, water levels, and wind conditions among other issues.

“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,” he said in a statement.

Paddle Worldwide President Thomas Konietzko was equally enthusiastic.

“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,” he said.

The threat from crocodiles was not addressed in the assessment but officials have previously said there will be “processes in place” for reporting sightings.

Brisbane 2032 President Andrew Liveris last year played down the issue.

“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 when asked about the issue.

Sightings in the Fitzroy are only occasional, with the apex predators more prevalent further north.

“I thank both Jean-Christophe, Thomas and their teams for their expertise and collaboration as preparations continue at pace ahead of our Games in just under six years’ time,” Liveris said on Thursday.

“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.” — AFP