Large crocodile spotted near future Olympic rowing course - ABC News & Headlines – Australian Broadcasting Corporation

This saltwater crocodile was spotted at North Rockhampton Golf Club at the weekend. (Supplied: North Rockhampton Golf Club)

A crocodile estimated to be up to 3 metres long has been reported at North Rockhampton Golf Club.

The sighting is close to the Fitzroy River precinct earmarked for rowing at the 2032 Olympics.

Wildlife authorities will assess if the crocodile poses a risk and should be removed.

The sighting of a saltwater crocodile near the proposed 2032 Olympic rowing precinct in Rockhampton is under investigation, while Rowing Australia says it is a "shock" and a wake-up call.

North Rockhampton Golf Club alerted members at the weekend when the crocodile, estimated to be up to 3 metres long, was spotted near the 11th hole.

The sighting was within a few kilometres of the Fitzroy River precinct earmarked for rowing and canoe sprint events at the 2032 Brisbane Olympic and Paralympic Games.

The selection of Rockhampton as the home of the Games' rowing has been questioned by some. (Supplied: Rockhampton Regional Council)

On Monday, a spokesperson for the Department of the Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation (DETSI) said the sighting was not reported to the department, but was now under investigation.

Speaking in Hervey Bay on Monday morning, Queensland Premier David Crisafulli played down concerns about the crocodile and expressed confidence in Rockhampton's ability to host the Olympic rowing events.

"Many, many decades of success prove that it's a world-class venue," he said.

"It's a magnificent community and they'll do it very, very well."

David Crisafulli has backed Rockhampton's rowing venue amid renewed crocodile concerns. (ABC Capricornia: Jacob Gamble)

Rowing Australia life member Ray Ebert said the sighting was a wake-up call for those involved in planning the 2032 Olympic rowing events on the Fitzroy River.

"It's a bit of a shock to me," Mr Ebert told ABC News Breakfast on Monday.

"I've been saying that the crocodiles are the least of our problems. I'm going to admit to something that none of the politicians have admitted to: maybe I was wrong."

Mr Ebert pointed to previous crocodile sightings in the area, including two reported in December 2024, involving animals measuring about 2.5 metres and 1 metre.

He said the latest sighting raised questions about how authorities would manage crocodile risks around the proposed rowing venue.

Mr Ebert questioned whether the Queensland government was taking the issue seriously enough and said the sighting could prompt further questions about the venue's suitability and safety.

State and national rowing regattas have been held on the Fitzroy River and the venue has also been used by Australian rowing teams for pre-Olympic training camps over the years.

In September, Mr Crisafulli announced the Rockhampton venue had passed an independent technical assessment "with flying colours" to host rowing and canoe sprint events at the 2032 Brisbane Games.

It came after months of fierce debate over the Fitzroy River's suitability, including its status as a crocodile habitat.

The Rockhampton rowing facility has hosted multiple events. (Supplied: Rockhampton Fitzroy Rowing Club)

International sporting bodies are now awaiting the next phase of venue planning, which include technical details and confirmation of service levels and facilities needed for Olympic and Paralympic competitions.

Queensland Opposition Leader Steven Miles said the sighting highlighted the need for the Crisafulli government to release the technical report underpinning Rockhampton's selection as an Olympic rowing venue.

Mr Miles said the report should outline how crocodile risks would be managed during the Games, arguing its release would help address concerns about the Fitzroy River.

A sign at the North Rockhampton Golf Club warns visitors of crocodiles on the course. (ABC News: Jake Grant)

University of Queensland crocodile expert and emeritus professor Craig Franklin was more critical of the decision to hold Olympic rowing on the Fitzroy River.

He described it as a political decision rather than one based on common sense, saying he would go so far as to call it "foolish".

On September 19, a saltwater croc was spotted upstream from the Rockhampton rowing course, according to the Queensland government's official sightings dashboard.

There have been two further sightings since that were reported closer to the proposed venue.

Reptile expert John Lever, who owns Koorana Crocodile Farm near Rockhampton, said the animal was likely to be a male saltwater crocodile and estimated it was "up to three metres" long based on the photograph of the sighting.

Mr Lever said wildlife rangers would likely need to assess the animal's behaviour before a decision was made about whether it should be removed.

Koorana Crocodile Farm owner John Lever. (ABC Capricornia: Aaron Kelly)

The area is not currently classified as a Category A zone, where crocodiles are automatically targeted for removal.

However, Mr Lever said he believed crocodiles spotted in the vicinity of the planned Olympic venue should be dealt with.

"But that's not up to me to do that, it's up to the government."

DETSI has been contacted for comment.

The Fitzroy River has faced intense scrutiny since its selection as an Olympic venue. (Supplied: Rockhampton Regional Council)

Mr Lever said heavy rainfall in central Queensland last week may have stimulated the animal's activity.

"There's crocodiles, of course, in the Fitzroy [River], we all know that, so a sighting is not uncommon," he said.

"This is the mating season. Males and females are both moving around looking for mates."