A crocodile has been spotted on the banks of the Fitzroy River – the venue for rowing for the 2032 Olympic Games – reigniting concerns for athlete safety.

North Rockhampton Golf Club shared a picture of the three-metre croc at the weekend, warning golfers about an extra trap lurking on the 11th hole.

The club is directly across from the Fitzroy River Rowing Club.

“He’s just picking his front row seat to watch the rowing,” one user posted.

“Looks a bit over three metres. Should be four metres by 2032,” wrote another.

In September, Queensland Premier David Crisafulli said the river had passed a safety review to host the rowing and canoe sprint events at the Olympic and Paralympic Games in 2032.

There had been criticism of the flatwater course after locals warned that a stretch of the river was home to saltwater crocodiles. But Crisafulli said it passed the review “with flying colours”.

“It’s official, signed, sealed and delivered,” he told state parliament.

Crisafulli said analysis showed the Fitzroy River was a “secret weapon” because the Games course could be full-width with room for start and finish areas.

“Rockhampton has a secret weapon – the Fitzroy won’t need widening, dredging or construction of a barrage, which was required for the Tokyo Games,” he said.

On Monday, Crisafulli played down concerns about the crocodile sighting and expressed confidence in Rockhampton’s ability to host Olympic 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.”

Elsewhere, Rowing Australia life member Ray Ebert said the sighting was a wake-up call for those involved in planning for the Games events in Rockhampton.

“It’s a bit of a shock to me,” he told ABC News Breakfast.

“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.”

Ebert also pointed to previous crocodile sightings in the area, including two reported in December 2024, involving animals measuring about 2½ metres and a metre.

Previously, almost 6000 people signed a petition seeking a change in venue amid concerns about the safety of athletes while potentially competing with crocodiles in the area.

The Brisbane Olympic Games will take place from July 23 to August 8, 2032. The Paralympic Games will follow from August 24-September 5.