Fitzroy River Chosen for 2032 Olympics Rowing Amid Crocodile Fears

Organisers for the Brisbane 2032 Olympic Games have confirmed that rowing and canoe sprint events will be held on the Fitzroy River in Queensland, a waterway estimated to be home to over 500 saltwater and freshwater crocodiles. The decision, announced in September 2026, has sparked debate over athlete safety in a region known for its crocodile population. The Fitzroy River, located near the regional city of Rockhampton approximately 600 kilometres north of Brisbane, was selected as part of a revised venue masterplan aimed at controlling infrastructure costs. This move came after local authorities scrapped plans for a purpose-built, $500 million artificial course in Southeast Queensland. The river is widely regarded by rowing associations as a top-tier natural venue due to its consistent water depths and protection from heavy sea swells. However, the presence of apex predators has raised immediate concerns. The Rockhampton Regional Council describes the area as a known crocodile habitat, and officials warn that no natural waterway can be guaranteed to be completely free of reptiles. In 2023, a 4.