Far North crocodile safety messaging under public discussion

Far North locals living in crocodile inhabited areas are helping shape important public safety policies around the animals as one tour operator calls for less “scare campaigning”.

FAR North locals living and visiting crocodile inhabited areas are helping shape important public safety policies and messaging around the animals as one business owner calls for less “scare campaigning”.

The Department of Environment and Science (DES) has engaged The Social Deck to conduct research on people’s attitudes and behaviours towards crocodiles in Queensland.

The research called on regular users of waterways and other community members to speak of their awareness and thoughts about crocodile safety messages and behaviours and what they thought about existing programs or measures the government was taking to educate people about crocodiles in Queensland waters.

A large croc spotted last month at Clyde Rd bridge over the Russell River. Picture: Gus Lee

“This is very important work, as the research’s findings will help DES update and improve its Be Crocwise public safety program and gain a better understanding of the opinions, attitudes and behaviours of people in Queensland Croc Country,” a DES spokesman said.

The Social Deck held focus groups at Mission Beach and Cairns this week and there are plans for “targeted online focus groups meetings and surveys to be conducted in the coming weeks.”

Long-term Mission Beach resident and fishing tour operator Alister Pike said he believed the current campaigns and messaging was creating unnecessary fear, especially among tourists which was hurting his business.

Clyde the croc snapped near the Clyde Rd bridge across the Russell River. Picture: Gus Lee

“I don’t think we need to look at management, they manage themselves, the issue is the messaging and now people are scared to go to the beach even,” Mr Pike said.

“We get so many people asking us and worried they’re going to get eaten by a crocodile if they just go for a walk along the beach. It’s ridiculous and it’s hurting tourism.

“I realise you have to be careful, but I’ve been here 17 years and I go swimming. I’m just not going in the dirty mangrove waters. But to have people scared of their own environment is a problem.”

Mr Pike said he would like to see more statistics around the apex predators and their dangers.

“Just let people know that the chances of them actually getting eaten are near zero, because that’s the biggest fear we’re seeing, especially with visitors.”

Originally published as Far North crocodile safety messaging under public discussion