com/news/article... Queensland's Fitzroy River has been selected for the 2032 Games, despite concerns over the course - and its inhabitants.
Olympic authorities approved the Fitzroy River in Rockhampton, Australia, as the venue for rowing and canoeing events at the 2032 Games on September 17, 2026, despite concerns about water conditions and crocodile presence. The venue received final sign-off from governing bodies.
From the banks of the Fitzroy River, it’s easy to see why Rockhampton has a reputation for rowing. But hosting tens of thousands of Olympic fans will be a test.
Hundreds of young rowers competed in a school regatta on Rockhampton's Fitzroy River on 19 September 2026, the venue earmarked as the Olympic rowing course. The event gave local athletes an early taste of competing for Olympic selection at their future home venue.
Plans to host Olympic rowing events in Rockhampton for the 2032 Brisbane Games are proceeding as of 2026-09-18, despite months of debate over whether the Fitzroy River is suitable. Crocodile presence in the river has been a focal point of concern.
Queensland's premier responded to international rowing leaders' concerns about Rockhampton's suitability to host Olympic rowing on 2026-09-08, defending the Fitzroy River location for the 2028 Games. The site had faced ongoing debate since the previous year.
On 22 September 2026, Queensland government ministers could not confirm whether they had read a technical assessment of the Fitzroy River for the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games rowing venue. The report, prepared by the Games Independent Infrastructure and Coordination Authority and WaterProof engineering, has not been publicly released.
A river that is home to about 500 saltwater crocodiles is given the OK to host Olympic and Paralympic rowing and canoeing events at the 2032 Brisbane Games.
Queensland authorities cleared the Fitzroy River in Rockhampton on 17 September 2026 to host rowing and canoe events for the 2032 Brisbane Olympics. Officials declared the venue safe and suitable for competition.