Two croc sightings at North Rockhampton Golf Club

Leisurely golfers at a Central Qld course are being warned to watch out for two crocs which have made shock appearances near the first hole.

Two crocodiles have been sighted within a week near a sporting club in North Rockhampton.

Two crocodiles have been sighted within a week near a sporting club in North Rockhampton.

A Department of the Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation spokesperson said on Friday that two reports had been received from a North Rockhampton Golf Club employee about crocodiles in or on the banks of the adjoining Splitters Creek.

“On December 24, 2024, an employee of the club reported what they believed to be an estimated 2.5m crocodile swimming in the creek,” the spokesperson said.

“On December 31, 2024, they reported an estimated 1m crocodile.”

A post on the club’s Facebook page said both were sighted on the first hole, “but I would be more than careful if looking for balls on the 2nd hole”.

The DETSI spokesperson said wildlife officers conducted a daytime site assessment on January 1 and confirmed the presence of a crocodile estimated to be 1m long.

Crocodile warning signs were installed and Crocwise information was provided to golf club management.

The spokesperson said the department commended the managers of the golf club for reporting the sightings and for sharing the reports on social media.

“Their proactive response to the crocodile sightings has helped boost public safety,” the spokesperson said.

“Under the Queensland Crocodile Management Plan, crocodiles that exhibit dangerous behaviour are targeted for removal from the wild.

“The Rockhampton region is Croc Country, and it is not unusual to see crocodiles moving about in the Fitzroy River as they search for food and territory during the breeding season.

“People are responsible for their own safety in Croc Country, and we’re asking people to make sensible choices around the water.”

The spokesperson said the department investigated every crocodile sighting report received.

They went on to say water body in Croc Country could be considered to be free from crocodiles.

Residents and visitors were encouraged to report all sightings in a timely manner to the department.

Reports can be made by using the QWildlife app for iOS and Android, completing a crocodile sighting report on the DETSI website, or by calling 1300 130 372.

The club also stated they have alerted Rockhampton Regional Council.

A Department of the Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation spokesperson said on Friday that two reports had been received from a North Rockhampton Golf Club employee about crocodiles in or on the banks of the adjoining Splitters Creek (picture at Deep Creek Kewarra Beach).PICTURE: JUSTIN BRIERTY

People should remain CrocWise by following this advice:

• Expect crocodiles in all waterways even if there is no warning sign.
• Obey all warning signs – they are there to keep you safe.
• Be aware crocs also swim in the ocean and be extra cautious around water at night
• Stay well away from crocodile traps – that includes when fishing and boating.
• Stand back from the water’s edge when fishing and don’t wade in to retrieve a lure
• Camp as far back from the edge of the water as possible
• Never leave food, fish scraps or bait near the water, at campsites or at boat ramps.
• Never provoke, harass, or feed crocs.
• Always supervise children near the water and keep pets on a lead.

Originally published as Two croc sightings at North Rockhampton Golf Club