Bill Scott’s family urges Territorians to be careful on Top End waters following inquest into saltwater crocodile attack in Kakadu National Park

Bill Scott was in the back of his moored boat when he was attacked by a croc in Kakadu. Mr Scott’s family writes to ask Territorians to be aware Top End waters are more dangerous than ever.

Bill 'Scotty' Scott

LAST WEEK the Coronial inquest outcome was handed down regarding Bill Scott.

Our family was present at the crocodile attack, therefore a Coronial inquiry was never really required for our benefit — other than maybe allowing us to start finding some peace, now the absence of a death certificate is no longer an issue.

Although some people may attempt to use our loss for their own platform of beliefs or agenda, we are more interested in finally being able to move forward. And wishing with all our hearts that such an event is not to be experienced by other families — nor the legalities, administration, public speculation and social media comment that followed, in addition to our grief and adjustment to life without Bill.

Even as experienced locals, we have learned a lot more about crocodiles recently. Did you know at least 229 crocs have been captured in the Top End so far this year? Yet we are only just heading into breeding and nesting season. And it is before the rain really comes down and they start to easily move around, resulting in higher captures.

Did you know that the crocodile population in Top End waterways is estimated to have increased beyond 100,000? Your chances of an encounter or attack are greatly increasing. Did you know that data indicates the crocs are getting bigger? And that means your chances of surviving a powerful croc attack are getting smaller.

But as Territorians, we enjoy our boating and fishing. So we go into their territory — their shrinking habitat. We all know there are crocs out there. We aren’t stupid. We are smart enough and aware enough to keep ourselves and our family safe — hell, we grew up here. We don’t do anything at the water’s edge and we keep an eye out. And anyway, it only ever happens to other people. People doing dumb stuff. That’s what we thought too. But it did happen to us — it happened to a husband, father, grandfather and brother. Just like yours. We had only recently arrived at the site. And Bill was inside the back of a moored boat. We never even saw the crocodile on the surface. Yet it happened and was over in seconds. Not a thing we could do. That’s possibly the hardest part for our family.

There’s a scary part inside many of you that knows that this could have been any one of us Territorian families that enjoy time out in the bush and going fishing.

We all do just one little not-so-safe and ever-so-quick action from time to time. Or just let our guard down for a few minutes, while relaxing and enjoying our time together. Or genuinely believe we will get a chance to see a croc first.

If there is anything that can come from Bill’s death, may it be an awareness among locals that it is now more dangerous than ever on Top End waters.

What you’ve always done, will no longer be enough. Looking about will not mean that a large croc is not hiding under the water or stalking you. Or worse. Your children. And the unclear question has unfortunately been answered … yes. Yes, boats can be attacked. And yes, you can be taken from your boat. Know that even though we see a difference between what we do at the water’s edge and boat side, it really makes no difference to a territory-threatened or hungry crocodile.

This is not a suggestion to stop enjoying the great Territory lifestyle that we love, but our family just asks you to consider stepping up your awareness and actions, to suit the changing conditions.

And if you don’t do it for yourself, then please do it for your family ... as it may be they who have to deal with the consequences.

If the outcome of the coronial is to extend community awareness, then maybe it is time for NT politicians to take a look at the budget allocated to this. As the Coroner pointed out, a lot of work and innovation is being done by the Commission with what they have.

But I ask you, are fatal crocodile attacks less important than other community safety messages like road safety, drink driving and playing in drains?

Maybe setting a program budget indicating that people’s safety is a priority in regards to crocodiles would be a good start.

Thank you to family and friends who have offered support during this time, and the many good people out there that have helped us. RIP Bill.