Brisbane 2032 approves rowing venue on crocodile river where athletes already get 'Croc Wise' advice

A river in Central Queensland that is home to around 500 saltwater crocodiles has officially been cleared to host part of the Brisbane 2032 Olympics and Paralympics. The Fitzroy River in Rockhampton has been approved for the rowing and canoeing events, ending months of debate over the venue.

What changed, and when it takes effect

Olympic authorities confirmed on 17 September that the Fitzroy River flatwater course will be used for Olympic and Paralympic rowing and canoeing at the 2032 Summer Olympics.

The decision followed an independent technical assessment commissioned by the Games Independent Infrastructure and Coordination Authority, or GIICA, and carried out by WaterProof Marine Consultancy and Services B.V. The venue was then backed by the international federations World Rowing and Paddle Worldwide.

World Rowing president Jean-Christophe Rolland said the analysis showed the river can provide fair competition conditions during the Games and meet Olympic and Paralympic rowing requirements.

That matters most for the athletes and organisers involved in the flatwater events, after concerns had been raised not only about crocodiles but also about strong currents, flooding and heavy silt loads that could require regular dredging and repairs to keep the course at Olympic standard.

Why the crocodile angle is getting so much attention

The crocodile issue has not gone away. The Fitzroy is known locally for its "salties", and the river is estimated to contain about 500 of them. GIICA says the technical assessment did not examine crocodile presence. Instead, it focused on river flows, water levels, Fitzroy Barrage operations, weather and environmental conditions, plus flow, wind and wave conditions across different scenarios.

Even so, the river is already used for flatwater sport, including school state championships, local regattas and national team training camps. Organisers also have contingency plans if crocodiles are spotted.

A noticeboard at Fitzroy Canoe Club has previously advised people to be "Croc Wise", including getting into boats quickly, not letting arms and legs trail in the water, and getting out as soon as possible after a capsize.

Supporters of the venue have also argued that the biggest and most dangerous crocodiles tend to prefer the tidal lower reaches of the Fitzroy. The approved Olympic course is on the stable freshwater section, upstream of the barrage.

The whole river has an estimated density of about 0.2 crocodiles per kilometre, and there are no recorded deaths from a crocodile attack in the area. Rangers are also tasked with removing any large crocodiles, with more than 2m given as the official guide, as well as any animals showing dangerous behaviour. In 2023, rangers captured a 4.5m saltwater crocodile from the river after surveying more than 20km and moved it to a government facility.

Saltwater crocodiles are widely regarded as among the deadliest predators in the world. An average male can reach 5m and weigh about 500kg.