A river that plays host to around 500 saltwater crocodiles has been given the green light to serve as the rowing and canoeing venue for the 2032 Brisbane Olympics. The Fitzroy River in Rockhampton, Queensland, passed an independent technical inspection of its suitability, though the inspection made no mention of the crocodiles themselves.
The assessment focused instead on how the course would hold up across a range of conditions, weather patterns, water levels and flood risk, both at Games time and through the lead-up to the event. The report was ordered by the Games Independent Infrastructure and Coordination Authority (GIICA), which noted that the Fitzroy River Flatwater Facility is already used for training and competition, hosting school championships, local regattas and national team camps.
World Rowing and Paddle Worldwide, formerly the International Canoe Federation, both backed the course after reviewing the technical work. World Rowing President Jean-Christophe Rolland said the river is capable of offering fair competition during the Games, consistent with Olympic and Paralympic standards. Paddle Worldwide President Thomas Konietzko said the depth of the technical work has improved understanding of the playing surface and offers confidence to athletes that the course can deliver fair racing.
What the Assessment Actually Looked At
GIICA commissioned the report, noting that the Fitzroy River Flatwater Facility is already a training and competition venue for flatwater sports, supporting school state championships, local regattas and national team training camps.
As a recognised rowing facility, contingency plans are already in place at events when crocodiles are spotted. Olympic officials have previously been told that rower safety is assured.
The Reaction From Drew Ginn
Drew Ginn, who won three Olympic gold medals for Australia in rowing, told BBC Radio that he has concerns over potential flooding and “fairness and integrity” at the venue. He also questioned the Olympic experience for athletes and spectators at a location “six or seven hours” from Brisbane.
“I’m not fearful of the Australian animals but I’ve never had a crocodile near me,” he said. “I’m sure I’d row faster, I’m sure all the athletes would row faster. That’s on the list of concerns, I don’t think it’s the highest priority in concerns but it was certainly cited very early on.”
He also raised questions about relocating crocodiles out of the river. “Does international rowing want to have the athletes in jeopardy of that sort of stuff?” he asked.
Despite Rolland and Konietzko believing the venue will provide fair competition after reviewing the technical assessment, Ginn remains doubtful. He added: “Even just the idea of being at a venue where you could have your race decided by half a second and it could show it’s different in lanes by two or three seconds. And, while I’m thinking Rockhampton is a great town, I just don’t think it’s right for the Olympic Games to spread the venues out in such a way that jeopardises the experience for the athletes and spectators.”
Brisbane 2032’s Response
Brisbane 2032 President Andrew Liveris played down the issue of crocodiles last year. “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 at the time.
Speaking on Thursday about the venue now being given the go-ahead, he 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.”
The Numbers Behind the Story
- Around 500 saltwater crocodiles, known locally as Salties, live in the Fitzroy River
- The crocodiles inhabit both freshwater and saltwater and can grow to over six metres long
- The technical assessment covered weather patterns, water levels and flood risk at Games time and throughout the lead-up
- World Rowing and Paddle Worldwide both endorsed the course
- The Fitzroy River Flatwater Facility already hosts school state championships, local regattas and national team training camps
What This Means for Rowers
The endorsement means Rockhampton is locked in as the rowing and canoeing venue for Brisbane 2032. Future design and operational work will focus solely on that location, according to Liveris.
Ginn’s concerns remain open questions. Will races be decided by half a second? Will lanes differ by two or three seconds? Will athletes and spectators be able to enjoy the experience at a venue six or seven hours from Brisbane?
For now, the assessment says the river can handle the competition.
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