Howard Salkow

Senior Journalist

Palmer Sea Reef golf course is in grave danger of being severely damaged as local kids continue to use the course and the bunkers as their new playground.

And while they may think they are being suitably entertained, those fishing in the waterways are flirting with the crocodiles which have been sighted on numerous occasions.

A spokesperson for the club said this activity is now a few months old and the biggest concern are the kids who are fishing.

“It is well known there are crocodiles in the waterways and the last thing we want is someone confronting a crocodile, or getting hurt.”

Palmer Sea Reef released the following in their latest newsletter: “With the on-going issue of kids riding push bikes through the golf course, using the bunkers as jumps, skidding on the greens, also damaging fencing and fishing in the waterways, it has been reported to the police.

“If any one sees them (the kids), please call 131 444 to report them. You will be given a reference number and please write it down; or report online:www.police.qld.gov.au/reporting or call Port Douglas police station on (07) 4087 1999.”

Senior Sergeant Damian Meadows, Officer-in-Charge Port Douglas, said these kids have taken their privileges too far and this behaviour is unacceptable.

“The onus is on the parents, they should know where their children are and what they are doing,” he said.

For the ground staff who are on the golf course at 5am, they are now faced with not only maintaining the course and the bunkers, but cleaning up the damage left by the kids.