Brisbane Olympic rowing confirmed for croc-inhabited Fitzroy River in central Queensland

Olympians will be paddling in crocodile-infested waters at the Brisbane Olympics.

Croc-infested waters will host Olympic rowing at the Brisbane Games.

On Tuesday, Premier David Crisafulli confirmed 2032 Olympic and Paralympic rowing will take place in Rockhampton, 500km north of Brisbane.

Rockhampton’s Fitzroy River hosts multiple amateur rowing clubs, but is firmly within crocodile country, and also may give some Olympic boats an unfair advantage because of the river’s flow.

“If it’s good enough for central Queensland kids, I reckon it’s good enough for Pierre from Paris, and we are going to deliver a regional benefit,” the Premier said at a major Games venue announcement event on Tuesday.

The 2015 Queensland Schools Championship Regatta was held on the Fitzroy River. Picture: NewsWire / Daniel Pockett

“It’s the opportunity that an urban renewal of a dormant part of that city can come to life. And anyone who’s tried to get accommodation for Beef Week knows that a few extra dwellings there might also be useful,” the Premier said.

“We’re having it there, and we’ll do everything we can to make sure that it works to the highest possible standard.”

Rowing Australia has raised concerns about the flow in the river.

“In the middle of a river, particularly one with a stream or a flow in it, the middle, deeper section runs faster than the outside, so that creates unfairness across the course,” Rowing Australia chief executive Sarah Cook told the ABC, before Rockhampton was confirmed as host.

While plenty of locals go on the Fitzroy River, the fact crocodiles live in the waterway would raise eyebrows, she said.

“We’re certainly happy to put our athletes out there, but maybe it might scare a few others off,” Ms Cook said.

In January, three crocodiles made themselves at home between the first and second holes at North Rockhampton Golf Club.

Originally published as Brisbane Olympic rowing confirmed for croc-inhabited Fitzroy River in central Queensland