Olympic rowing is heading to Rockhampton, but are crocodiles a threat?

Olympic rowing is set to take place in Rockhampton for the 2032 Brisbane Games, despite concerns about the Fitzroy River's suitability, including its status as a crocodile habitat. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has approved the river to host rowing and canoe sprint events, following a technical assessment. While the Fitzroy River is known to have thousands of crocodiles, modelling suggests there are only about 96 in the 480-kilometre river.

The Olympic course will only be two kilometres long. John Lever, owner of Koorana Crocodile Farm, said the crocodile concerns were exaggerated, and school children routinely row in the river without issue. Premier David Crisafulli noted that the assessment from World Rowing and Paddle Worldwide confirmed the river's ability to provide fair competition conditions.

However, University of Queensland crocodile expert Emeritus Professor Craig Franklin warned that hosting the event in "croc country" is foolish and misguided. The Queensland government emphasized the river's potential to support a full-length international flatwater course, while acknowledging the need for upgrades to the existing Fitzroy River course.