A river that is home to around 500 saltwater crocodiles has been given the go-ahead to host Olympic and Paralympic rowing and canoeing events at the 2032 Brisbane Games.
The course on the Fitzroy River in Rockhampton, Queensland, has passed an independent technical assessment of its suitability.
The assessment did not consider the crocodiles, but instead examined "how the course would perform under a range of conditions, weather patterns, water levels and flood risk at both games time and throughout the period leading into the games.
The report was commissioned by the Games Independent Infrastructure and Coordination Authority (GIICA), which noted that the Fitzroy River Flatwater Facility "is already a training and competition venue for flatwater sports, supporting school state championships, local regattas, and national team training camps.
As an established rowing facility, contingency plans are in place for events when crocodiles are spotted, and Olympic officials have previously been assured that rowers can compete safely.
World Rowing and Paddle Worldwide, formerly the International Canoe Federation, have both endorsed the course.
Rowing President Jean-Christophe Rolland says based on the extensive analysis undertaken, they now know that the Fitzroy River is capable of providing fair competition conditions during the period of the Games, consistent with the requirements of Olympic and Paralympic Rowing.
Brisbane 2032 President Andrew Liveris played down concerns about crocodiles last year.
He says there are sharks in the ocean and they are still surfing, it's a can-do, not a can't-do – please change the mindset here.
Saltwater crocodiles, known locally as salties, live in both freshwater and saltwater and can grow to more than six metres in length.
Drew Ginn, who won three Olympic gold medals for Australiain rowing, told BBC Radio that he has concerns about potential flooding and "fairness and integrity" at the venue, as well as the Olympic experience for athletes and spectators at a location "six or seven hours" from Brisbane.
Gin says personally, he is not fearful of the Australian animals, but he never had a crocodile near him.
He says all the athletes would row faster knowing whats beneath the waters.
Source:BBC News
