Rockhampton's Fitzroy River — a known crocodile habitat that drew fierce international scrutiny — has been officially approved as the rowing venue for the Brisbane 2032 Olympics, after an independent technical assessment declared the site fit for competition. Olympic authorities confirmed the decision on Thursday, ending months of contentious debate over the controversial regional Queensland waterway.

Premier Declares Fitzroy River Passes 'With Flying Colours'

Queensland Premier David Crisafulli broke the news in state parliament, making clear the International Olympic Committee's review of the course was complete and conclusive.

"The Fitzroy has passed with flying colours. It's official, signed, sealed and delivered," Crisafulli told parliament, firing back at critics with the rhetorical jab: "Why the long faces?"

The Premier had faced sustained pressure to abandon the site since the state government first nominated the Fitzroy River as a rowing venue in March 2025. Crisafulli repeatedly rejected those calls, accusing opponents of being "elites" dismissive of regional Queensland. On Thursday, he was unambiguous in his vindication: "Many have said it can't be done … we reject that view. We back in regional Queensland — no ifs, no buts."

Deputy Premier Jarrod Bleijie added that analysis had confirmed there would be "no widening, no dredging needed," with the river able to accommodate a full eight-lane Olympic course. He told parliament the Fitzroy contained a 2.7-kilometre stretch capable of hosting a standard 2,000-metre race, with room for start and finish areas.

International Bodies Endorse the Rockhampton Course

World Rowing and Paddle Worldwide both confirmed they had reviewed the expert data and backed the independent technical assessment conducted by internationally recognised marine engineering specialists. Representatives from both bodies also visited the site in person before endorsing the decision.

World Rowing president Jean-Christophe Rolland said the process had produced confidence in the venue's ability to deliver fair racing conditions. "We now know that the Fitzroy River is capable of providing fair competition conditions during the period of the Games," he said in a statement.

Paddle Worldwide president Thomas Konietzko said the extensive analysis had "significantly improved the understanding of the field of play" and provided the confidence needed to proceed. The approval locks in the Fitzroy River as host of rowing, para rowing, canoe sprint and para canoe events at Brisbane 2032.

A Long Road Through Controversy

The path to Thursday's announcement was far from smooth. Beyond concerns about crocodiles in the river, critics — including international rowing federations from Britain, New Zealand and Germany — raised serious questions about the site's fairness, safety and sustainability, reportedly voicing those concerns directly to Brisbane 2032 organisers at a World Rowing congress meeting.

An open letter signed by 542 rowers, among them Olympic gold medallist Drew Ginn, was sent to the Queensland government calling for the rowing venue to be relocated to southeast Queensland instead. A rival proposal centred on Moreton Bay, north of Brisbane, was championed by local council as a world-standard alternative at roughly half the estimated cost of the Rockhampton site.

Critics also warned that the Fitzroy's flooding history and heavy silt loads would require ongoing dredging and costly maintenance. The state government disputed those claims, and Thursday's independent assessment appeared to settle the matter in its favour.

What Happens Next

With the IOC's approval now formalised, the Games authority will move into detailed planning, design and construction for the Rockhampton competition venue. Rockhampton mayor Tony Williams said he was thrilled — though not surprised — by the green light, describing it as a major milestone for the region.

The approval is a significant moment for Brisbane 2032, which has faced ongoing venue uncertainty. For Queensland's central region, it represents a chance to share in the Olympic spotlight — crocodiles and all.