Urgent.News

What's breaking now, across thousands of outlets.

Culture

Fears over safety of Olympic event as croc spotted

A croc sighting on central Queensland's Fitzroy River has cast fresh doubt over the site's fitness to host Olympic rowing events in 2032.

Fears over safety of Olympic event as croc spotted

A massive crocodile, estimated to be up to three metres in length, was recently spotted at North Rockhampton Golf Club near the proposed site for the 2032 Olympic rowing events. Wildlife authorities are investigating the matter, considering whether the saltwater crocodile poses a risk and should be removed. Rowing Australia described the sighting as a shock and a wake-up call for those involved in planning the Olympic rowing events.

The area is near the Fitzroy River precinct, which is earmarked for rowing and canoe sprint competitions at the 2032 Brisbane Olympics and Paralympics. Queensland Premier David Crisafulli expressed confidence in Rockhampton's ability to host the rowing events, citing decades of success in the area. However, Rowing Australia member Ray Ebert found the discovery concerning, suggesting it may prompt further questions about the venue's safety.

Previous crocodile sightings in the vicinity, including two in December 2024, have raised questions about how authorities would manage the risks associated with these reptiles around the proposed rowing venue.

Written by urgent.news from ABC News AU's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.

This story

This is one outlet's version. Read the fullest account.

Read the original at theage.com.au →

More in Culture

More from Monday 2 November →