Crocodile crackdown ‘a step in right direction’
FOUR MILE BEACH
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- <link june new-crocodile-measures-granted-for-four-mile-beach>New crocodile measures granted for Four Mile Beach
THE Port Douglas Surf Life Saving Club (PDSLSC) has welcomed the tougher new crocodile management conditions on Four Mile Beach, but not everyone agrees.
Pressure from Douglas Shire Council and the local community has seen the Queensland Government amend their management plan for the Port Douglas beach.
All crocodiles larger than two-metres found swimming in the area will now be targeted for removal in a move PDSLSC President Michel Bolt labeled ‘a step in the right direction’.
However, news of the more stringent ‘Targeted Beach Management Zone’ was also met with criticism from Newsport readers yesterday, many calling the decision ‘ridiculous’ and ‘short sighted’.
David White, from Solar Whisper Daintree River Wildlife Cruises, commented on Newsport saying the new measures would only lull visitors into a false sense of security and ‘increase the risk of attack’.
He also said crocodiles were not relocated but rather shot in a private location ‘away from the sight of holiday makers’.
“Lets face it, crocodile farms are full so don't say remove, just say kill,” he said.
Bolt said the crackdown was timely and commended the State Government for listening to the local Council.
“It’s a step in the right direction recognising that Four Mile Beach is a very well patronised recreation area and not an area that should tolerate the presence of crocodiles.”
But he argues the new zoning along Four Mile Beach didn’t go far enough, saying Dicksons Inlet and the Mowbray River estuary should also be targeted.
“In order to improve the management of Four Mile Beach the areas which are known habitats for crocodiles must be targeted,” he said.
“It is no good saying that Foxton Bridge is in a protection zone if the Mossman River estuary is not the target. The same applies to Spring Creek. The area to be targeted to improve safety of Spring Creek is the Mowbray estuary.”
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