Gina Rinehart lobbied for controversial plan to move 2032 Olympic rowing to crocodile-inhabited river
Documents reveal that billionaire Gina Rinehart lobbied to move 2032 Olympic rowing events to the Fitzroy River in Queensland. The proposal has faced significant backlash due to the river's status as a natural habitat for saltwater crocodiles.
Why it matters
The controversy highlights tensions between private influence, government planning, and safety concerns regarding major international sporting infrastructure.
An undated letter from Gina Rinehart to Queensland’s deputy premier, Jarrod Bleijie, lobbied for the relocation of the Brisbane Olympic Games 2032 rowing events to the Fitzroy River, a natural habitat for saltwater crocodiles. Photograph: Richard Wainwright/AAP An undated letter from Gina Rinehart to Queensland’s deputy premier, Jarrod Bleijie, lobbied for the relocation of the Brisbane Olympic Games 2032 rowing events to the Fitzroy River, a natural habitat for saltwater crocodiles. Photograph: Richard Wainwright/AAP Rowing Gina Rinehart lobbied for controversial plan to move 2032 Olympic rowing to crocodile-inhabited river Decision to host event on Fitzroy River at Rockhampton, 600km north of host city Brisbane, prompted significant backlash
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