gg2
Crocodile river approved for Brisbane 2032
The gist
The IOC approved Rockhampton's Fitzroy River, home to 500 saltwater crocodiles, for Brisbane 2032 rowing.
The choice ends 18 months of venue uncertainty and sits 600km from Brisbane.
How it unfolded
- 2017A 5.2-metre crocodile was removed from the Fitzroy River.
- Earlier (date unknown)Organisers proposed a $250 million purpose-built flatwater facility at Wyaralong Dam; cost overruns and regional decentralisation goals prompted the Queensland government to look elsewhere. Crisafulli nominated the Fitzroy River despite a GIICA review warning the river could not fit the course.
- September 2026Representatives from New Zealand, Canada, Germany and the United Kingdom raised concerns over the Fitzroy River's sustainability and location at the World Rowing congress in Amsterdam.