Concerns regarding crocodiles and flooding have emerged ahead of the upcoming rowing events for the Brisbane 2032 Olympics. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) and World Rowing have not addressed these issues in their latest updates, which has raised questions among stakeholders. The safety management plan for a school regatta this weekend, however, highlights the presence of crocodiles in the Fitzroy River, stating that event planning must account for potential sightings.
The plan explicitly mentions the word “crocodile” 28 times, indicating the seriousness of the situation. It notes that no natural waterway in crocodile territory can be guaranteed to be free of these reptiles. In the event of a sighting, racing will be suspended, and competitors will be instructed to return to the bank, with the official signal for a sighting being the call of “crocodile, crocodile, crocodile.”
New Zealand’s Wickham, when asked about crocodile safety, emphasized the importance of ensuring a fair course for rowers, while also expecting that any chosen course would be safe. Hancock Prospecting, owned by Australia’s richest person Gina Rinehart, has supported Rockhampton’s bid for the rowing events and has invested millions in sports, including rowing. The company dismissed concerns about flooding and crocodiles as “fake media” claims, asserting that local children have trained and competed in the Fitzroy River without any incidents involving crocodiles.
Supporters of this view argue that the more dangerous saltwater crocodiles are primarily found downstream, while the freshwater crocodiles that inhabit the rowing area are less of a threat. The Queensland government has also contested claims regarding flood risks. Rowing Queensland’s O’Loughlin noted that a schools event scheduled for August 2024 had to be relocated due to flooding that washed away the course.
In response to these concerns, the chief executive of Brisbane 2032 stated that organisers are developing contingency plans for the rowing events, as they would for any venue. A backup location is the 2000 Olympics venue in Sydney, although this option would be undesirable for Queenslanders.
Follow our World news coverage for related developments.
