A recent crocodile sighting near the Fitzroy River has raised questions about the suitability of Rockhampton as a venue for rowing events during the 2032 Olympic Games, despite assurances from Queensland Premier David Crisafulli that athlete safety remains a priority. The large crocodile was spotted on Saturday close to the proposed site for the rowing and canoe course, prompting a cautionary notice to local golfers at the North Rockhampton Golf Club, located near the river’s edge.

This incident follows earlier reports of a “problem crocodile” observed during the Queensland school rowing championships held in September, when hundreds of students competed on the Fitzroy River. According to government records, a saltwater crocodile was initially sighted upstream from the event location on the first day of the competition, with two more sightings reported in the ensuing weeks closer to the proposed Olympic venue.

The presence of crocodiles on the river has fueled concerns among International Olympic Committee (IOC) members, World Rowing officials, and Australian athletes about the safety and appropriateness of holding such a high-profile competition in a crocodile habitat. World Rowing has publicly challenged Premier Crisafulli’s earlier statement that the venue had been finalized and deemed safe following a technical assessment before the schools’ regatta.

Premier Crisafulli has defended the decision, highlighting that local rowers regularly use the Fitzroy River, and dismissed critics as “elitist bullies.” His deputy, Jarrod Bleijie, emphasized that if children rowing on the river is considered safe, visiting international athletes should face no greater risk. However, several rowers who spoke anonymously expressed feeling pressured amid the political debate surrounding the venue.

The Queensland Government’s 2025 Estuarine Crocodile Management Plan acknowledges that removing crocodiles cannot fully eliminate the risk to recreational users, noting their ability to travel long distances and inhabit waterways unpredictably. This underscores the difficulty of ensuring a completely crocodile-free environment for water sports.

Crocodile expert Professor Craig Franklin criticized the decision to stage Olympic rowing on the Fitzroy River, calling it "foolish and misguided." He asserted that conducting canoeing or rowing events in crocodile breeding areas is inherently dangerous with potentially lethal consequences, aligning his view with guidance from the state’s own management plan on crocodile safety.

Compounding the challenges for the Queensland government, the IOC recently delayed the finalization of the Brisbane 2032 sports program until April 2027. This postponement follows a directive from IOC President Kirsty Coventry for a comprehensive review of all sports' inclusion in the Olympic schedule beyond 2032, examining factors such as participation rates, venue requirements, and broadcast appeal. The delay places additional pressure on Queensland’s planning and delivery for the rowing venue as debates over the suitability of the Fitzroy River continue.