When the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games come to Brisbane, one proposed venue has captured attention for an unusual reason: crocodiles. The Fitzroy River in Rockhampton, about 600 kilometers north of Brisbane, is being considered for rowing and canoeing events. While the crocodiles make headlines, they are not the only concern for athletes and experts.
An Independent Technical Review
An independent technical assessment has found that the river can provide suitable and fair conditions for rowing and canoeing competitions at the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, according to the Queensland state government. However, the assessment does not mean the site is fully approved. Aspects related to infrastructure, sustainability, and services still need to be reviewed in later stages of the project.
A Natural Stadium 600 Kilometers Away
The Fitzroy River is located in Rockhampton, approximately 600 kilometers north of Brisbane, the host city. The river is already used for training in calm water sports and hosts school championships, local races, and Australian national team camps. The technical review focused on the suitability of the race course under different conditions, including water depth, current movement, changing river levels, and flood risks during the Games and the years leading up to them.
However, the review has not settled the debate. Athletes and coaches have warned that turning the river into an Olympic-standard course could require significant investment.
Crocodiles Steal the Spotlight
The local council in Rockhampton describes the area as a “known crocodile habitat” and warns that no natural waterway in crocodile-inhabited areas can be guaranteed free of these reptiles. Crocodiles are legally protected in Queensland, and authorities apply special procedures when any are spotted near water activity areas.
In 2025, Andrew Liveris, president of the Brisbane 2032 organizing committee, downplayed concerns about the location, saying: “There are sharks in the ocean, and we still sail and surf.” Former Australian Olympic rowing champion Drew Ginn said he would certainly row faster if crocodiles were nearby, but explained that their presence is not his biggest concern.
The Real Danger Under the Boat
Ginn believes the more serious problem lies in the river’s own characteristics, from water depth and current movement to flood risk. He explained that moving water could give one lane an advantage over another, affecting the fairness of the race. He also questioned what would happen if the area experienced a flood during the competition week.
Coach and former rower Andrew Butler said the site could turn into a “country race with Olympic athletes” unless huge amounts are spent on infrastructure. Objections also include Rockhampton’s distance from Brisbane, limited accommodation in a city of just over 80,000 people, and questions about what benefit will remain for the region after the Games.
As organizers continue site approval and preparation, the paradox is clear: crocodiles are the most sensational element of the story, but currents, floods, and lane fairness may be the hardest test before Olympic boats reach the Fitzroy River.