A CROCODILE-infested river will host rowing events at the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games in Brisbane, according to reports.
The Fitzroy River in Rockhampton, Queensland – which is known to host giant saltwater crocs – is set to be named as the host of rowing this week.
AlamyA crocodile-inhabited river is reportedly set to host rowing events at the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games in Brisbane[/caption]
AlamySaltwater crocodiles are regularly spotted in the Fitzroy river[/caption]
GettyThe Australian team endured a nightmare rowing week at Paris 2024[/caption]
GettyLocal rowers do not think crocodiles will pose a problem during the Games[/caption]
Organisers will unveil the final infrastructure blueprint on Tuesday, according to Sky News.
Rockhampton’s Fitzroy River, which is 630km north of Brisbane, is a regular sight for crocs, with rangers trapping a four-metre crocodile lurking upstream just two years ago.
Earlier this year, a croc made headlines after being spotted cruising along the Fitzroy with a large black dog in its mouth, according to The Mail.
Liberal politicians and business leaders have argued using the river for the Games would save the state “millions of dollars”.
In January, Nationals Queensland Senator Matt Canavan said: “We believe that moving the rowing and canoeing to an existing facility in the centre of Rockhampton can save probably up to $100 million.”
Advocates have said any crocodiles in the river would need to be rehomed first.
It’s understood that by hosting rowing there, the event won’t have to be shifted to facilities in Penrith, New South Wales.
Rowing Queensland and Rowing Australia have reportedly sent a letter to the local government asking to keep the sport in the state for the Games.
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President of Fitzroy Rowing Club Sarah Black believes the river could host Olympic rowing events safely, despite the croc risk.
She said: “The Fitzroy is a natural habitat for crocodiles, we’re well aware of that.
“Some of the reports in the media have been sensationalised, with comments around it being crocodile infested.
“We certainly have regular liaisons with our department of environment here. Their officers go out and do regular surveys.
“It is risk managed and something our sport does quite well.”
The Fitzroy will have to meet World Rowing’s strict rules – and the presence of saltwater crocodiles, along with some other technical issues, could pose a problem.
The river has hosted training camps for the Australian rowing team, which won only ONE medal at Paris 2024 – bronze in the women’s coxless pair.
The plan which is still subject to cabinet approval will be presented to the Liberal National Party of Queensland frontbench on Monday.
In July 2021 the International Olympic Committee Members voted to elect Brisbane as the host of the 2032 Games.
It will be the third time Australia has hosted the summer Olympics, including Melbourne in 1956 and Sydney in 2000.
AFP or licensorsRangers trapped a four-metre crocodile lurking upstream in the Fitzroy a few years ago[/caption] Creator – [#item_custom_dc:creator]
