JUNGLE DRUM: Debate continues around safe swimming areas, crocodile exclusion zones in Douglas Shire

LAWRENCE MASON COLUMN

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Discussion has heated up around crocodile exclusion zones in the Far North. All pictures: Lawrence Mason

Crocodiles were protected in Western Australia in 1970, The Northern Territory in 1971, and lastly by Qld in 1974. It has been an undeniable success, with numbers now getting back to normal.

I think most of us are secretly happy that we saved such an amazing apex predator, but also experiencing the ash flavour of disappointment that we are losing so many swim spots. We grew up swimming in creeks and rivers, and there is a huge expectation among visitors that they will not only be able to see wild Crocs, but also to swim.

On the face of it, it seems improbable that you can do both. But of course it is not. While some believe that only a mass cull would solve the ‘problem’, I see it a different way. 

In 2020 David White and I collaborated to bring a deputation to Council, asking for them to consider ‘Crocodile exclusion zones’. This is not a new idea. Wilson's Beach near Proserpine had an enclosure for years and in fact it is only the last five years that it has become non-operational. And in places like Sri Lanka and New Guinea small exclusion areas are common to allow safe bathing for locals, in creeks and rivers.

David was able to provide information about ‘Croc Sonar’ that could be used to check exclusion zones before each days swimming. So why don’t we have such zones already? The only question asked after our deputation might be a clue.

The then Mayor Kerr asked me "Who would pay for it"?’ And this same question is why we don’t have a deep swimming lagoon in Port, and why the issue comes up every six months or so. Who would pay for it, and more importantly who would pay for upkeep?

It is interesting that urban Australians want to see wildlife protected, and certainly those that visit are very keen on safe swims, both ocean and otherwise.

But for some reason, access to funding for things like well managed exclusion zones in both ocean and rivers seems to be unavailable for small councils like ours. Councillor Olds from Cairns Regional Council has a current proposal to make Lake Placid, somewhere I swam in my youth Croc free. He should be applauded for this move.

With an election coming up, the Douglas Community should be pressuring candidates to allocate money not only to Crocodile exclusion zones in workable locations, but to a safe swimming lagoon in Port Douglas, with ongoing maintenance and cleaning funded too.

Also any development that is planning to offer significant areas for water recreation for locals and visitors should be supported by all levels of government. The current situation where worthwhile projects are stopped by a group of self-interested wealthy people is ludicrous.

In the same way that Qld Government is spruiking the electricity rebates, they should be in widening the net and making mining royalties available for the improvement of lifestyle in remote areas.

Funding safe swim zones and exclusion areas ticks the community box, the tourism box and the conservation box. North Qld is missing out on being a leader in this field. Any Councillors want stick their heads up and support this one?

 

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