Gina Rinehart pushed for Olympic rowing on crocodile-infested river

Australia's wealthiest individual, Gina Rinehart, actively lobbied for a controversial plan to relocate the 2032 Olympic rowing events to the Fitzroy River in Rockhampton. This proposal, which would move the competition 600km north of the designated host city, Brisbane, has ignited considerable opposition.

The Queensland government announced the plan last March, but it has since drawn significant backlash from the rowing community and the broader Olympic sphere. The Fitzroy River is known as a natural habitat for saltwater crocodiles, raising serious safety and logistical concerns.

Documents recently released by the Queensland government have now confirmed Rinehart's direct involvement in advocating for this contentious relocation. The decision to consider the Fitzroy River has been met with widespread criticism, highlighting a clash between commercial interests and the practicalities and safety of Olympic competition.