Crocodile spotted near Rocky rowing venue, but Premier unconcerned

November 2, 2026 — 1:28pmQueensland’s premier says he has no concerns about the viability of rowing in Rockhampton at the 2032 Games after a crocodile was sighted near the Fitzroy River.A photo shared by the North Rockhampton Golf Club on Sunday showed a croc just off the 11th hole, on Splitters Creek which runs off the Fitzroy.A manager at the venue told this masthead the photograph was taken by a member, and claimed animal was significantly smaller than it appeared in the image.The crocodile photograph shared by the North Rockhampton Golf Club near the Fitzroy River hasn’t worried premier David Crisafulli.North Rockhampton Golf Club“It has been a resident … for the past 12 months,” president Brian Phelan said.“It has never been a problem, members and visitors are very aware of its presence with signage throughout the course.”He described it as a “baby crocodile” and estimated its length at about 1.2 metres, while a report from local ABC estimated the animal was 3 metres.The presence of crocodiles in the proposed Olympic venue has raised eyebrows.Sylvia LiberAsked if the government had concerns about the sighting on Monday morning, Premier David Crisafulli said: “No.”He said he believed the Fitzroy River was a world-class venue that held excellent rowing events.“It’s a magnificent community, and they’ll do it very well,” Crisafulli added.Transport and Main Roads Minister Brent Mickelberg said later in the morning he was also confident the venue would be safe for rowers at the Olympics.“I challenge anyone who thinks rowing can’t be delivered in Rocky to head up to Rocky and have a look,” he told reporters at Central Station in Brisbane.“The rowing club on the banks of the Fitzroy there is exceptional, and I’m sure it’ll be a great success in 2032.”The government’s decision to push for rowing in the Fitzroy River has attracted pushback from some, and been a major talking point in Olympic preparations.The Rockhampton Fitzroy Rowing Club is directly opposite the North Rockhampton Golf Club.Dr Ross Dwyer, a senior lecturer in animal ecology at the University of Sunshine Coast, said crocodile sightings in the area were not unusual.He added the animals would likely be less active during the winter months when the Olympics would be held, though reiterated crocodiles near humans were always a threat.“They’re cold-blooded … if it is winter time, crocodiles are less mobile,” Dwyer said.“They’re certainly still moving around, and you would certainly want to be careful.“I’m sure I’m sure efforts will be done to make sure it’s safe at that time.”Start the day with a summary of the day’s most important and interesting stories, analysis and insights. Sign up for our Morning Edition newsletter.More:Brisbane 2032 OlympicsFor subscribersQueensland governmentOlympicsDavid CrisafulliRoad to Brisbane 2032RowingFrom our partners