THE Douglas Shire will demand tougher crocodile measures for Four Mile Beach and other risk areas following a fiery debate between councillors in Mossman yesterday.

Mayor Julia Leu said it was time action was taken to ‘minimise the potential for tragedy’ and she would be requesting the famous tourist beach be rezoned from a monitoring and education area (Zone E) to a targeted management zone (Zone C) as part of the state crocodile management plan.

If successful, the rezoning would allow for the removal of all crocodiles larger than two metres and any animal displaying dangerous behaviour in these areas.

Council’s request also calls for Newell Beach, Wonga Beach, Cooya Beach and Oak Beach to be rezoned from Zone E to Zone C, along wth Ferndale Lake in Port Douglas and the boat ramps at Newell Beach, Rocky Point, Wonga Beach and Cape Tribulation. Freshwater creeks upstream from Foxton Bridge in Mossman, Shannonvale Causeway and Spring Creek Crossing in Mowbray would also be included.

In front of around 25 members of the community at the Council chambers, Leu’s motion received the backing of councillors Michael Kerr, Roy Zammataro and Abigail Noli but was met with strong resistance from David Carey, who said the ‘hype is unrealistic’ when it comes to the threat of crocodiles across the Shire.

Leu said the tougher stance on crocodiles was not a ‘knee-jerk reaction’ to three crocodile attacks on dogs recently at Four Mile Beach, Cow Bay and Rocky Point, but rather ‘a considered evaluation by Council of the issues surrounding crocodile management over several months.’

“The perceived increasing risk from large mature crocodiles and the consequent reduced safety of our beaches also poses a potentially devastating impact on the Douglas tourism industry through lost visitation and reduced length of stay,” she said at the meeting.

“Four Mile Beach is an iconic part of the Douglas Shire and an integral part of our tourism sector is a significant draw card for those wishing to relax and enjoy our beach lifestyle.

“Residents who previously enjoyed the beaches and boat ramps within the Douglas Shire are now feeling under threat and are concerned about the unprecedented number of crocodile sightings in recent times.

“Council is very proud of our diverse range of tourism experiences showcasing our spectacular natural environment, including the opportunity to view saltwater crocodiles in their natural habitat in the Daintree River and along the Daintree Coast.

“But is crucial to ensure we balance these opportunities to respect and observe crocodiles in the wild with the increased dangers they pose and the requirement for adequate action to minimise the potential for tragedy.”

CAREY SAY'S CROCODILE ISSUE ‘TOO EMOTIONALLY CHARGED'

Speaking against the motion, Carey said the region’s crocodile topic was ‘too emotionally charged’ and had spiraled out of control. He said it was impractical to suggest crocodiles be removed on sight from any of the above areas and pointed to scientific research to back up his claims. A letter from Port Douglas local Steve Doble, who tragically lost his son to a crocodile on the banks of the Daintree River, was also tabled at the meeting.

“As soon as a crocodile sticks its snout out of the water are they a target for removal?” Carey said.

“How will the crocodiles be found? How will they be tracked? Who will fund it? The only conflict with crocodiles comes when people get into the water.”

Carey said Council’s reputation as the ‘green shire and ‘guardian of the environment’ was at stake if the more aggressive approach to crocodiles was passed. He also said mixed messaging should be addressed surrounding the safety of the Shire’s beaches.

“Who is going to stand up and say that it’s safe to swim in our beaches? Will you stand on Four Mile beach and say that?” Carey asked the Mayor.

“It’s time to get real and be honest with our marketing messages for this region. We can’t be something we’re not.”

Zammataro was the first to support the Mayor’s motion saying it was ‘only a matter of time before someone was taken by a crocodile’, while Kerr said it was ‘negligent by council not to act.’

“This is not about wanting to get rid of crocodiles, it’s about managing and minimising the risks associated with their increased activity in places they were previously not a threat and unfortunately with the increase in their size and numbers, the time for implementing the appropriate preventative measures is now,” Leu said.

She also said more local resources were needed to respond to crocodile sightings such as locally-based indigenous Kuku Yalanji rangers.

Do you agree with the rezoning of crocodiles in Port Douglas and across the Douglas Shire? Let us know in the comments below!

* Readers are encouraged to use their full details below to ensure comment legitimacy. Comments are the opinions of readers and do not represent the views of Newsport or its staff. Comments containing unlawful, obscene, defamatory or abusive material will not be published.