The Fitzroy River in Rockhampton, Queensland, which is home to around 500 saltwater crocodiles, has been cleared to host rowing and canoeing events at the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games after passing an independent technical assessment.
The assessment, commissioned by the Games Independent Infrastructure and Coordination Authority (GIICA), examined the venue’s suitability under different weather conditions, water levels and flood risks during the Games and in the period leading up to them. The assessment did not consider the presence of crocodiles in the river.
GIICA noted that the Fitzroy River Flatwater Facility is already used for training and competitions, including school state championships, local regattas and national team training camps.
World Rowing and Paddle Worldwide, formerly known as the International Canoe Federation, have both endorsed the course.
“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,” World Rowing President Jean-Christophe Rolland said.
Paddle Worldwide President Thomas Konietzko said the technical assessment had improved understanding of the course and provided confidence that it could deliver fair competition conditions for Canoe Sprint athletes.
Brisbane 2032 President Andrew Liveris had previously played down concerns over the crocodiles, saying, “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.”
Welcoming the latest approval, Liveris 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.”
Saltwater crocodiles, locally known as “Salties”, inhabit both freshwater and saltwater environments and can grow to more than six metres in length.
