Adrian Schrinner takes on 2032 Brisbane Games concerns over crocs, Mt Coot-tha

Brisbane Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner has dodged croc-oriented questions about the 2032 Olympic Games, while backing the radical revamp of Mt Coot-tha.

A large crocodile is captured eating an animal in the Fitzroy River. Picture: Minco de Bruin

Brisbane Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner has dodged croc-oriented questions about the 2032 Olympic Games, while backing the radical revamp of Mt Coot-tha.

Rockhampton’s safety will be reviewed by World Rowing president Jean-Christophe Rolland on Monday, amid concerns that crocodile-infested Fitzroy River could impact rowing events at the Olympics Games.

Mr Schrinner responded to safety queries by redirecting them back to the council of the central Queensland city.

“I’m the Brisbane Lord Mayor, not the Rockhampton Lord Mayor,” Mr Schrinner told Channel 7’s Sunrise.

Brisbane Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner has backed the Mt Coot-tha plan. Picture: David Clark

“I’m doing a lot of talking about Rockhampton, but I’m sure it will be sorted out.

“I think we can make it work … the governments are really determined to make it work (in Rockhampton).”

If Rockhampton is deemed unsafe, the rowing events could be held in Penrith, west of Sydney, as mooted by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.

Mr Schrinner also backed Mount Coot-tha’s proposed makeover for the Games.

Mr Schrinner said Mount Coot-tha could include light shows, new walkways and a 170km wilderness trail linking the Brisbane attraction to communities stretching up to the Sunshine Coast.

Supplied image of Mt Coot-tha Botanic Gardens dome.

“Everyone that visits Brisbane knows that Mount Coot-tha is a great place to visit,” he said.

“We’ve got the Botanic Gardens there and the lookout at the summit of Mount Coot-tha. An amazing green space so close to the city, just a stone’s throw away.

“On the weekend, we released a plan to make it even better. To really boost the eco-tourism opportunities on Mount Coot-tha.

“We know that when people visit Brisbane and Queensland, they want a nature-based experience.

“They want to get in touch with nature and there’s an opportunity to do this right on Brisbane’s doorstep.”

Originally published as Adrian Schrinner takes on 2032 Brisbane Games concerns over crocs, Mt Coot-tha