Queensland clears crocodile-inhabited Fitzroy River for Brisbane 2032 Olympic rowing

Venue confirmation in regional Queensland

Queensland authorities confirmed on 17 September 2026 that the Fitzroy River in Rockhampton will host rowing, para-rowing, canoe sprint, and para-canoe events during the 2032 Brisbane Olympic Games. Situated roughly 600 kilometres (370 miles) north of Brisbane, the regional flatwater course forms part of a wider plan to stage events across regional Queensland during Australia's third Summer Olympics. Queensland Premier David Crisafulli told the state parliament that the waterway had cleared an independent technical review with flying colours, calling the venue selection official, signed, sealed, and delivered.

Many have said it can't be done. We back in regional Queensland - no ifs, no buts. Our commitment has been steadfast, and our message is clear: regional Queensland can and will host events on the world stage.

Course specifications and engineering review

The independent review was commissioned to evaluate whether the river could provide a safe, fair, and consistent field of play across varying weather and water conditions. Marine engineering experts conducted extensive on-water testing and computer modeling to assess riverbed geometry, currents, water levels, sediment volume, and flood risks at Games time and during the preparatory period. Queensland Deputy Premier Jarrod Bleijie confirmed that a 2.7-kilometre stretch of the river provides sufficient room for a standard eight-lane, 2,000-metre regatta course alongside designated start and finish areas. Bleijie added that no river widening or dredging will be required to construct the venue.

Wildlife management and athlete concerns

The confirmation follows ongoing debate regarding the site since Queensland officials first proposed the Fitzroy River in March 2025. Concerns centered on the presence of an estimated 500 saltwater crocodiles in the waterway, as well as the safety risks posed by strong river currents and frequent flooding. A petition organized via an open letter gathered 542 signatures from rowers, including former Australian Olympic champion Drew Ginn, who called on organizers to move the flatwater competitions to south-east Queensland. Authorities indicated that wildlife risks will be managed through an existing protocol that captures and removes large or dangerous crocodiles from the competition zone.

Endorsement from international sporting federations

International sporting federations endorsed the conclusions of the independent assessment. World Rowing President Jean-Christophe Rolland stated that the organization had required a rigorous evaluation to guarantee equal conditions for all Olympic and Paralympic competitors.

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.

Paddle Worldwide President Thomas Konietzko also backed the venue, emphasizing that technical data from the study gives athletes confidence in the competition course. Following the formal approval, Rockhampton Mayor Tony Williams welcomed the decision as regional organizers prepare to commence detailed design and infrastructure planning for the 2032 regatta facilities.

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.