From Malay Mail · · 1m
Fitzroy River greenlit for 2032 Olympics rowing
World rowing body picks crocodile-infested Fitzroy River as 2032 Brisbane Olympics rowing venue after safety checks
In brief
World rowing body picks crocodile-infested Fitzroy River as 2032 Brisbane Olympics rowing venue after safety checks Crocodile habitat confirmed safe for rowing with no relocation needed Originally reported by Malay Mail.
Crocodile habitat confirmed
A 5.2-metre male crocodile with a gunshot wound was found in Fitzroy River creek near Rockhampton in 2017
“A 5.2-metre male crocodile was found in a creek along the Fitzroy River near Rockhampton, Brisbane in Australia with a single gunshot wound to the head in 2017”
World rowing panel approves site
World Rowing and Paddle Worldwide confirmed Fitzroy River as 2032 Brisbane Olympics rowing venue after technical assessment
“World Rowing and Paddle Worldwide, along with Olympic organizers, have endorsed the choice, citing confidence in the river's ability to provide fair competition conditions”
Flooding and current concerns
River prone to flooding with strong currents that could create uneven competition conditions
“The river is prone to flooding and has strong currents that can create uneven competition conditions”
Accommodation issues
Limited rower and spectator accommodation options raised fairness concerns
“A lack of accommodation options for rowers and spectators was also an issue”
Petition for relocation
Thousands signed petition to move events to purpose-built facility near Brisbane
“Thousands of people signed a petition to have the events moved to a purpose built facility nearer to Brisbane”
Safety measures promised
Officials promise processes for reporting crocodile sightings and monitoring
“The threat from crocodiles was not addressed in the assessment but officials have previously said there will be processes in place for reporting sightings”
Brisbane 2032 president response
Brisbane 2032 President says crocodile issue is 'can do, not can't do'
“There are sharks in the ocean and we're still surfing... it's a can do, not a can't do, please change the mindset here”
The headline
Crocodile habitat confirmed safe for rowing with no relocation needed
