Fitzroy River in Rockhampton, home to about 500 crocodiles, cleared for 2032 Olympic rowing and canoeing
On 17 September 2026 the Fitzroy River in Rockhampton, Queensland — a waterway home to about 500 saltwater crocodiles — was approved to host rowing and canoeing at the 2032 Brisbane Olympic and Paralympic Games after passing an independent technical assessment into its suitability.
The assessment did not consider the crocodiles but instead looked at "how the course would perform under a range of conditions, weather patterns, water levels and flood risk at both Games time and throughout the period leading into the Games". The report was commissioned by the Games Independent Infrastructure and Coordination Authority (GIICA), which noted 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".
Both World Rowing and Paddle Worldwide, formerly International Canoe Federation, endorsed the course following the technical review. "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 added: "The quality and depth of the technical work undertaken has significantly improved our understanding of the field of play and provides confidence to us and our athletes that the course can deliver fair competition for Canoe Sprint athletes." These endorsements followed the independent evaluation that judged the course on operational and environmental variables rather than wildlife considerations.
The river is home to roughly 500 saltwater crocodiles. Saltwater crocodiles - known locally as Salties - live in both freshwater and saltwater and can grow to be in excess of six metres long.
Brisbane 2032 President Andrew Liveris had downplayed crocodile concerns last year, 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," and on Thursday, after the venue was 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."