After earlier reports of croc trap sightings in the the Mirage Country Club irrigation lake as well as in Dicksons Inlet,  Newsport are able to report that the traps were laid by the Department of Environment and Heritage Protection (DEHP) officers.

Peter Douglas General Manager of the Mirage Country Club invited the DEHP to assess the area over one day and night to observe what animal activity was in the vicinity of the club, due to sightings of larger animals seen on the golf course.

“My ultimate responsibility is to protect the guests, the owner’s asset and myself from litigation should there be an incident.  The DEHP has set out the guidelines and we will follow them to the letter,” said Mr Douglas.

According to Douglas, two crocs have been sighted coming in and out of the area which appeared to be quite large.

“Last night one croc, approximately 3.8 metres was caught and taken away by EPA and they have left the traps for today,” he said.

The 10th tee has been cordoned off leaving enough basking space for other animals advised Douglas.

“As general manager, my responsibility is to protect the asset from litigation.  We discourage locals from pushbike riding, walking their dogs and walking on the property.  At the end of the day it is private property, this is not the place to come and see crocs,” he said.

The crocs sighted have not shown any aggression whatsoever said Douglas but nonetheless, he is not willing to encourage people to the property to see crocs.

“I’m not anti-visitor, but if you haven’t paid green fees you shouldn’t be on the greens. My team speak to every customer to make sure they are aware of the risk and there is warning signage,” advised Douglas.

A reader has commented on Newsport claiming that the crocs around the Mirage Country Club are what make the tourists play there. They enjoy playing a round of golf and seeing one of the world’s greatest predators in the wild and not behind a cage, stating further that they will consider playing elsewhere.

Newsport has contacted Department of Environment and Heritage Protection.