Gina Rinehart lobbied for controversial plan to move 2032 Olympic rowing to crocodile-inhabited river

The article is a political and infrastructure controversy around the 2032 Brisbane Olympics, not a direct market-moving financial event. It says billionaire Gina Rinehart lobbied Queensland officials to move Olympic rowing to the Fitzroy River in Rockhampton, 600km from Brisbane, arguing the venue would save taxpayers money and showcase regional and mining history. The plan has drawn backlash because the river is crocodile habitat and may fail international rowing standards for water quality, weeds and currents. The Queensland government’s venues review had recommended Sydney’s existing Penrith facility instead, but deputy premier Jarrod Bleijie has said rowing would be held in Rockhampton or cancelled. No listed financial instruments are directly affected, though the piece references mining and metals in a promotional, not market, context.