Quite a few crocodile tears have been shed on the issue of the rowing and canoeing venue of the 2032 Brisbane Olympics and Paralympics.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The reason for the controversy is the proposed venue \u2013 Rockhampton\u2019s Fitzroy River.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The tidal river is prone to flooding and is also home to crocodiles.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
While the Queensland government is adamant the venue will host rowing and canoeing, others are nervous.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
So, what are the pros and cons, and who will have the final say?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The river has a deep-rooted rowing history dating back to 1863 and has hosted significant events such as the 2009 Australian Masters Championships.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Last week, Queensland deputy premier Jarrod Bleijie reinforced the river will host rowing and canoeing events in 2032.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
But World Rowing and the International Canoe Federation are conducting studies and feasibility assessments, and have not yet thrown their full support behind the venue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Officials from both governing bodies toured the venue in February with members of the 2032 organising committee.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Several Olympians, including Australian rowing legend Drew Ginn, have expressed concerns about the fairness of holding the rowing in a tidal river. Competitors in some lanes could be disadvantaged due to varying current conditions caused by tides, flooding and water depth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Ginn said: “I think it\u2019s just embarrassing that we\u2019re doing it. Imagine the 100m sprint having a (runner) in lane six going forward, and on lane one going backwards and thinking that\u2019s fair for athletes. Rivers flow, rivers flood, we know the course up there has real issues around this \u2013 that\u2019s ok for a local regatta \u2026 but it\u2019s not ok for the Olympic Games.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
As well as concerns about currents and flooding, the river is also home to crocodiles, although official Queensland government statistics show no crocodile attacks on humans have been recorded here \u2013 only sightings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
President of Brisbane\u2019s organising committee Andrew Liveris dismissed concerns about the crocodiles: “There are sharks in the ocean and we still do surfing [\u2026] creatures below the water \u2013 that\u2019s a bit kind of \u2018Hollywoodish\u2019.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
@10newsau<\/a> Rowing at the Brisbane 2032 Olympic Games is set to take place in croc-infested waters. Yep, you read that right. Crocodiles. As a part of the recently announced venue plans for the games, the Rockhampton Rowing Facility on the Fitzroy River is set for an upgrade to host the rowing. The chances of a rower crocodile attack are said to be very low, but would you be confident hitting the water not knowing what is swimming below? #olympics<\/a> #crocodiles<\/a> #rockhampton<\/a> #fitzroyriver<\/a> #queensland<\/a> #rowing<\/a> #10sport<\/a> \u266c original sound – 10 News<\/a> <\/section> <\/blockquote>