Australian Croc-Filled Fitzroy River Approved for 2032 Olympic Rowing
The Facts
- Olympic authorities confirmed Thursday that central Queensland's Fitzroy River in Rockhampton has been approved as the venue for rowing and canoe sprint events at the 2032 Brisbane Olympic and Paralympic Games.
- Queensland Premier David Crisafulli announced the decision in state parliament, saying the river had passed "with flying colours" and the outcome was "signed, sealed and delivered". He said many had claimed it could not be done.
- Deputy Premier Jarrod Bleijie told parliament there would be "no widening, no dredging needed", saying a 2.7-kilometer section could accommodate a full-width eight-lane course with room for a standard 2,000-meter race plus start and finish areas.
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The Spin
Pro-government narrative
The Fitzroy passed an independent technical assessment with flying colors, and world rowing and paddle bodies have signed off, so the scaremongering about crocodiles and currents is over. Unlike Tokyo, this course needs no widening, no dredging and no barrage, making it cheaper and smarter. Regional Queensland deserves a spot on the world stage and the roads, tourism and grassroots facilities that come with it.
Government-critical narrative
Putting Olympic rowing in a river where officials openly ask whether crocodiles will be fenced off is a risk no host should take, because one bite ends the Games. More than 540 rowers, including Olympic champions, plus the British, New Zealand and German federations flagged fairness, safety and sustainability problems. A Moreton Bay course would meet world standards at about half the cost.
