Fitzroy River approved as 2032 Olympic rowing venue despite crocodile and fairness concerns

World Rowing and the IOC have selected Queensland's crocodile-inhabited Fitzroy River to host 2032 Olympic and Paralympic rowing and canoe sprint events.

• World Rowing and the IOC approved the Fitzroy River in Rockhampton on Thursday after an independent technical assessment of the course.
• The assessment examined flood risk, water levels and river flow but did not consider the river's roughly 500 saltwater crocodiles.
• Queensland Premier David Crisafulli told parliament the river "passed with flying colours," dismissing opponents as "interstate and overseas elites."
• Rowing federations from Germany, New Zealand and Britain raised concerns over the tidal river's currents and its distance from Brisbane, while 542 rowers signed an open letter opposing the site.