Overview
- Over the weekend a saltwater crocodile longer than three metres was seen on the North Rockhampton Golf Club grounds a few kilometres from the planned Fitzroy River rowing and canoe course.
- Queensland's environmental authority has opened an investigation and commissioned experts to decide whether the animal should be captured and removed.
- Premier David Crisafulli defended Rockhampton's prior independent technical clearance and opposition leader Steven Miles has demanded publication of the full technical report.
- More than 500 rowers, including Olympic champion Drew Ginn, signed an open letter calling for an alternative southeast Queensland venue because of crocodile sightings and worries about strong currents, flooding and high sediment.
- Reptile specialists say removing crocodiles from a wild estuary is difficult and authorities may need stronger mitigation plans or a venue reassessment, a step that could change Games logistics and affect local communities.