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Crocodile fears don't stop Fitzroy River 2032 rowing venue

By Drooid · Sep 17, 2026, 6:07 AM UTC · How we work

Summary

Crisafulli Announces Rowing

Premier David Crisafulli announced the Fitzroy River will host rowing and canoe sprint at the 2032 Olympics.
An independent report said the venue provides a safe, fair, consistent play.
The Fitzroy River is home to roughly 500 saltwater crocodiles, prompting safety concerns.
World Rowing President Jean-Christophe Rolland confirmed the course meets Olympic rowing standards.
Nearly 6,000 petition signers demanded a venue change over crocodile safety and lane fairness.

Summary

Mary Carroll Discusses Facilities

Queensland Schools' Championship regatta will be held on the Fitzroy River this weekend with over 800 young rowers.
Mary Carroll said investors are discussing hotels, an athletes' village and world-class rowing facilities.
Delegates from New Zealand, Canada, Germany and the United Kingdom raised sustainability concerns at the World Rowing congress in Amsterdam.

History

Historical Context

In 1996, the Atlanta Summer Games held rowing at Lake Lanier, a venue later scrutinized for water quality amid droughts and legal disputes. Decades later, Queensland Premier David Crisafulli faces a petition over 500 crocodiles threatening the Fitzroy River course for the 2032 Brisbane Olympics, echoing past concerns about environmental readiness of Olympic rowing sites.

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Crisafulli Announces Rowing

Premier David Crisafulli announced the Fitzroy River will host rowing and canoe sprint at the 2032 Olympics.
An independent report said the venue provides a safe, fair, consistent play.
The Fitzroy River is home to roughly 500 saltwater crocodiles, prompting safety concerns.
World Rowing President Jean-Christophe Rolland confirmed the course meets Olympic rowing standards.
Nearly 6,000 petition signers demanded a venue change over crocodile safety and lane fairness.

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