Fitzroy River Approved for 2032 Olympics Amidst Concerns Over Crocodile Habitat

The Fitzroy River in Queensland, Australia, recently made headlines as it was selected as a venue for the rowing events in the 2032 Brisbane Olympics. Known for its significant population of saltwater crocodiles, this choice has sparked mixed reactions within the international rowing community.

A Unique Challenge

Fitzroy River is a familiar setting for local rowing competitions, including school regattas held in Rockhampton. However, the decision to use this crocodile-inhabited river for the Olympics has raised eyebrows, not primarily due to wildlife concerns, but because of the river’s natural features. The river’s tidal nature, with its bends and currents, is seen by some as potentially hindering balanced competition at such a high level.

Despite the presence of around 500 crocodiles in the river, no incidents involving humans have been reported over decades. Yet, questions of fairness have dominated discussions among global rowing officials, including British Rowing’s CEO, Tom Solesbury. The emphasis has been on whether the river can provide an equitable experience for competing athletes.

Diverse Perspectives

Drew Ginn, a decorated Australian rower with multiple Olympic golds, expressed concerns about fairness and the potential for flooding at the venue. He admitted that the proximity of crocodiles might cause athletes to row faster, but acknowledged that this is not the primary issue.

Misinformation about regional versus urban preference also surfaced, leading to speculation about biases among decision-makers. Queensland’s Premier, David Crisafulli, dismissed such claims, defending the choice of Rockhampton and criticizing what he described as elitist objections from interstate and international figures.

Official Approval

The ultimate decision came from World Rowing and the International Olympic Committee after a detailed technical review. Experts assessed the riverbed, flows, and weather expectations to ensure the conditions would be suitable and safe for both rowing and canoe sprint events.

Despite the initial controversy, the state government has regained confidence following the approval, brushing aside an earlier 2025 report that recommended Sydney’s Olympic course as a better alternative. The Fitzroy River is poised to become a major sporting venue, provided it meets final evaluations concerning its design and community legacy impact.

Photo by Lucas Davies on Unsplash