BRISBANE – A river inhabited by approximately 500 saltwater crocodiles has been officially cleared to host rowing and canoeing events for the 2032 Brisbane Olympic and Paralympic Games following an independent technical assessment.
The Fitzroy River Flatwater Facility in Rockhampton, Queensland, secured full approval after technical evaluations confirmed the waterway meets fair competition standards regarding water levels, weather patterns, and flood risks.
The report was commissioned by the Games Independent Infrastructure and Coordination Authority (GIICA).
The assessment focused on technical feasibility rather than local wildlife, noting the site already serves as a training and competition venue for flatwater sports, supporting school state championships, local regattas, and national team training camps.
As a recognized rowing facility, contingency plans are in place at events for when crocodiles are spotted and Olympic officials have previously been assured of rower safety.
Both governing bodies World Rowing and Paddle Worldwide endorsed the venue following the findings.
“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,” World Rowing President Jean-Christophe Rolland said as reported by the BBC.
Paddle Worldwide President Thomas Konietzko stated that the technical work undertaken provides confidence to international athletes that the venue can deliver fair competition conditions for sprint events.
Brisbane 2032 President Andrew Liveris pointed out that the endorsement provides additional certainty for operational planning, emphasizing that existing safety protocols and contingency measures will address wildlife management during competition.
Saltwater crocodiles, which can grow to lengths exceeding six meters, inhabit both freshwater and saltwater ecosystems across northern Australia.-MalayaDailyToday
