A crocodile sighting on Queensland’s Fitzroy River has heightened concerns about the proposed rowing venue for the 2032 Olympic Games. A large crocodile was seen during a school rowing competition last September.
Queensland Premier David Crisafulli reaffirmed the river’s suitability at a press conference on Monday, citing its record of hosting successful events over many decades and describing it as a world-class venue.
The sighting is the latest challenge to the state government’s plan to stage Olympic rowing on the river. In October, World Rowing president Jean-Christophe Rolland disputed the government’s position that the venue choice was final, saying the location had not been approved and remained in doubt.
Rolland also warned that the river is vulnerable to flooding. He said periods of rain can produce very strong currents, which had occurred twice that year, and could put the event at serious risk if they coincided with the Olympic Games.
Sources: ANSA Sport.