River with 500 crocodiles approved as 2032 Olympic rowing venue

The Queensland government has approved the use of a river that supports an estimated 500 saltwater crocodiles as a venue for rowing and canoe‑kayak competitions at the 2032 Brisbane Olympic and Paralympic Games. The decision, announced by the state’s Department of Sport and Recreation, follows a comprehensive risk assessment and the implementation of a detailed safety plan that includes crocodile monitoring, exclusion zones and emergency response protocols to protect athletes, officials and spectators.

Organisers will modify the competition course to incorporate barriers and surveillance systems that deter crocodile entry during events, while preserving the river’s ecological integrity. The approval enables the Games to showcase Queensland’s natural waterways and aligns with broader sustainability goals, as the venue will be used for both the Olympic and Paralympic programmes. The river is slated to host the rowing and canoe‑kayak races in the second half of 2032, with preparations continuing under the oversight of environmental and sporting authorities.