Fresh talks as rowing, canoeing, stand against croc-infested venue for the 2032 Brisbane Games

Organisers of the Brisbane 2032 Olympics and Paralympics will hold fresh talks with the IOC and the international federations for rowing and canoeing after complaints about the proposal to conduct events at a crocodile-infested river in central Queensland.

Organisers of the Brisbane 2032 Olympics and Paralympics will hold fresh talks with the International Olympic Committee and the international federations for rowing and canoeing after complaints about the proposal to conduct competition events at a crocodile-infested river in central Queensland.

While Brisbane’s organisers were adamant that rowing and canoeing events would proceed safely at Fitzroy River in Rockhampton, highly-placed sources told this masthead that the IOC, World Rowing and the International Canoe Federation (ICF) all still had to agree to the proposal.

Already, World Rowing and the ICF have indicated they would oppose the plan, saying the waterway did not meet the required technical requirements because it is a tidal stream.

“While Fitzroy River has been suitable for training purposes, it has not undergone any technical feasibility study that would confirm its ability to host national or international level racing,” World Rowing said.

World Rowing are slamming the venue decision for Brisbane. Picture: Justin Setterfield/Getty Images

“Any rowing course used for international racing must comply with World Rowing’s Rules of Racing and technical requirements.”

The ICF also released a statement backing rowing’s stance.

“It does not currently meet ICF standards to stage international events,” the ICF said in a statement.

Brisbane 2032 Organising Committee President, Andrew Liveris said he would urge all federations and other stakeholders to work together in support of Queensland’s suggested venues.

“The Organising Committee, with its sport federation partners, can and will work with this plan and we encourage other stakeholders to do the same. The IOC is also supportive of moving forward with delivery,” Liveris said.

“As with any Venue Master Plan for a Games, there are always nuances to work through and we look forward to receiving the detailed plans for each venue from the Games Independent Infrastructure Coordination Authority (GIICA).”

A problem crocodile has been targeted for removal from the Fitzroy River in Rockhampton.

Australia’s national bodies for rowing and canoeing have also questioned the proposal to use Fitzroy River, which has made headlines all over the world after a gruesome video emerged of a Queensland family reporting that their pet dog was eaten alive by one of the giant reptiles.

While welcoming the news that a new whitewater facility will be developed in Queensland, Paddle Australia said it was caught by complete surprise after recommending Hinze Dam on the Gold Coast hinterland as the best option.

“That would have delivered a long term legacy for the sport and benefits to the communities.” PA said. “The Fitzroy River, in our view, will provide very little scope for lasting legacy.”

Rowing Queensland said it would welcome fresh talks about the venue for the sport.

“While we strongly support a legacy rowing course in Queensland, this must be based on informed discussion,” Rowing Queensland said.

Athletics Australia is also calling for a rethink on creating lasting legacies.

While the athletics competition for Brisbane will be held in the brand new 63,000-seater Victoria Park stadium, the running track will be ripped after the Games finish so the stadium can be used for cricket and AFL.

Athletics Australia had asked that the warm-up track be retained.

Queensland is home to some of the most exciting athletic talent in the country, with Matt Denny, Gout Gout, Torrie Lewis and Lachlan Kennedy all calling Brisbane their home,” Athletics Australia said.

“Without a viable facility, these athletes, as well as the officials, coaches, communities and fans who support them, will be denied the opportunity to compete at home in the lead-up to 2032.”

Originally published as Fresh talks as rowing, canoeing, stand against croc-infested venue for the 2032 Brisbane Games