3m crocodile spotted near Rockhampton Olympic rowing venue raises safety
A 3-metre saltwater crocodile spotted near the Fitzroy River has raised questions about holding 2032 Olympic rowing events there.
A large saltwater crocodile was spotted near North Rockhampton Golf Club on the weekend. The site is within kilometres of the Fitzroy River precinct earmarked for 2032 Olympic rowing.
The animal was estimated at up to 3 metres long. Queensland Premier David Crisafulli played down the risk.
He said decades of successful rowing use proved it was world-class. Rowing Australia called the sighting a shock and a wake-up call.
Experts have questioned whether the government is taking crocodile risk seriously enough. A university crocodile expert called the decision to hold Olympic rowing on the Fitzroy River foolish, not based on common sense.
The Department of the Environment is investigating the sighting. Crocodile sightings in the area were reported in December 2024 and September.
- 3 metres
- Crocodile length
- North Rockhampton Golf Club
- Sighting location
- December 2024
- Previous sightings
- 2032
- Olympic Games year
Why it mattersIf crocodile risk is not managed properly, the Olympic venue could face safety questions and last-minute changes close to the Games.
AustraliaAustralia's hosting of the 2032 Brisbane Olympics depends partly on safe, manageable venue conditions. A crocodile management failure could undermine the rowing events and the nation's reputation as a host.
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