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Australia: Fitzroy River Approved for 2032 Olympic Rowing

Is the Fitzroy a technically approved cost-saving win for regional Queensland or a crocodile risk that should move to Moreton Bay?
Australia: Fitzroy River Approved for 2032 Olympic Rowing
Above: People fishing and boating on the Fitzroy River on July 9, 2017. Image credit: Ian Hitchcock/Getty Images

The Spin


Pro-government narrative

The Fitzroy passed an independent technical assessment with flying colors, and world rowing and paddle bodies have signed off, so the scaremongering about crocodiles and currents is over. Unlike Tokyo, this course needs no widening, no dredging and no barrage, making it cheaper and smarter. Regional Queensland deserves a spot on the world stage and the roads, tourism and grassroots facilities that come with it.

Government-critical narrative

Putting Olympic rowing in a river where officials openly ask whether crocodiles will be fenced off is a risk no host should take, because one bite ends the Games. More than 540 rowers, including Olympic champions, plus the British, New Zealand and German federations flagged fairness, safety and sustainability problems. A Moreton Bay course would meet world standards at about half the cost.


Public Figures

© 2026 Improve the News Foundation. All rights reserved.Version 7.4.1

© 2026 Improve the News Foundation.

All rights reserved.

Version 7.4.1