Cairns crocs: Goldsborough crocodile warning signs
After more than six months of big croc sightings at a previously crocodile-free Cairns swimming area, temporary warning signs have at last been erected, but authorities have been accused of not acting soon enough.
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After more than six months of big croc sightings at a previously crocodile-free Cairns swimming area, temporary warning signs have at last been erected, but authorities have been accused of not acting soon enough.
Midway through July last year the Cairns Post reported on the emergence of saltwater crocodiles into kayaking and swimming spots on the Mulgrave River previously thought to be safe.
Goldsborough residents called for action and traditional land custodian Aggie Munro demanded the removal of at least one 3m croc whose dangerous presence forced SUP tour operator Ally Chadburn from the river.
The Department of Environment, Science and Innovation at last sent wildlife officers to the river last week to conduct a land-based “spotlight assessment” following a fresh report of the croc at Fisheries Bridge on January 11.
However Goldsborough Valley local Kate Rasmussen claimed for months swimmers were oblivious to the danger because there were no signs erected.
“Given it’s a popular area people think it must be safe and there are no signs,” she said.
“It would be good to see some permanent signs and if they are silly enough to jump in the water, that’s on them.
“It’s a duty of care issue, they’re aware of the risk and they’re not alerting people and if someone gets taken because they had no idea it was, then where does that leave them?
“The sightings are getting more and more frequent and the big concern is that some people are oblivious.”
Ms Rasmussen said people were still swimming in the area, and there was more than one croc about.
“Past the third bridge people are still swimming with children and dogs,” she said.
“It’s a big enough to take a child and cause significant harm to someone if not take them.”
According to the department, temporary recent crocodile sighting warning signs were erected earlier this month and a permanent sign will be installed at the bridge in the “coming weeks.”
The situation now borders on the absurd due to zoning maps that have remained unchanged since 2018.
The once popular swimming spot downstream at Ross and Locke is now too dangerous to swim due to the increased presence of crocodiles but the area remains a targeted management zone, while areas where people swim at Fisheries Bridge and the Upper Bridge fall within a general management zone.
All crocs bigger than 2m are targeted for removal in Zone C (targeted management zone) but crocodiles in Zone E (general management zone) must display “dangerous behaviour” before being removed.
Cairns councillor Brett Moller said it was “disappointing” that DESIhad taken almost 12 months to respond to croc reports from residents, traditional owners, and video evidence of the animals inhabiting the upper reaches of the Mulgrave River.
“We are seeing more and more crocs in the valley and residents and locals are concerned because visitors are continuing to swim,” he said.
Mr Moller said it was now urgent that a trap be set in the area after Fisheries Bridge was washed away and children were crossing the river daily via boat to get to school.
He has also called for larger warning signs throughout the Far North.
“We know crocodiles as predators look for patterns of behaviour, this is increasing the risk level and it’s my view the Department of Environment needs to be more proactive and get the crocodile captured and get it relocated,” he said.
The call for action follows reports of crocs at Freshwater Creek in Redlynch and at the Behana Creek causeway, Aloomba, for the first time after flooding from Cyclone Jasper in December.
“It’s unprecedented at Behana Creek causeway, but that has not deterred families from swimming there,” he said.
“Where there is an interface between crocodiles and residents there needs to take a more proactive approach.
“In terms of the zoning six years on, with the new emerging evidence, but specifically what we are seeing with the floods and increasing development in the Goldsborough Valley, is these zoning areas need to be looked at.
“It’s appropriate to review current zoning and approaches to see if any change needs to be made.
“You can’t put up a sign and that relieves you of your responsibility.”
Originally published as Cairns crocs: Goldsborough crocodile warning signs
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