Brisbane 2032 Olympics: The Fitzroy River in Queensland, Australia has 500 crocodiles in it

Key Points:

• The Fitzroy River in Rockhampton, Queensland, home to around 500 saltwater crocodiles, will host rowing and canoe sprint events for the 2032 Brisbane Olympics after passing a technical safety and fairness assessment by World Rowing and the IOC.
• Despite crocodile presence, no attacks on humans have been recorded in over 40 years, and safety concerns from the rowing community have focused more on the river's natural bends, currents, and potential flooding affecting fairness in competition.
• Some international rowing officials and athletes have questioned the suitability and sustainability of the Fitzroy River venue due to fairness and location concerns, but Queensland's premier dismissed these as resistance from "interstate and overseas elites" reluctant to hold events in regional Queensland.
• The local community and state government strongly support the Fitzroy River site, emphasizing its long-standing use for rowing and dismissing exaggerated fears about crocodiles and flooding, while event safety plans include protocols for crocodile sightings during competitions.
• A broader debate continues on the investment in Rockhampton's rowing facilities and its capacity to handle the 2032 Olympic influx, with the final approval dependent on further assessments of design, cost, and legacy by Queensland authorities.