Croc snapped in Inlet Delight and dismay as reptile glides by restaurants
A CROCODILE spotted swimming past restaurants overlooking Trinity Inlet has delighted some, but left others worried it’s another sign the reptiles are increasing in number.
An image of the “cheeky” two metre croc was posted to Big Cat Green Island Reef Cruises’ Facebook site last week.
“A good reminder not to go swimming in the wharf area,” the post read.
Dundee’s Restaurant owner Gary Low said he’d only seen one crocodile in the Inlet in the past eight years, but he was concerned by recent reports of more animals being caught in populated areas of Cairns.
“We are experiencing large numbers of crocodiles in inhabited areas which I think is very dangerous,” he said.
“However ... what do we think if we see a croc out the front? I think it’s good for tourists.”
Ochre general manager Carley Elsum said she welcomed the sighting because it meant diners had a chance of eating and seeing a crocodile at the same time.
“It’s a true Australian experience,” she said.
“I think it brings a bit of a buzz to the area.”
But the incident has raised questions about the ability for the Environment and Heritage Protection Department (EHP) to notify the public when crocodiles are sighted in populated areas.
Despite being seen earlier last week, the Department’s CrocWatch website contained no reference to the animal yesterday.
Cairns Division 9 councillor Brett Olds said it was unacceptable.
“There is no accountability or transparency with the way they report,” he said.
An EHP spokeswoman said the Department had not received a report of the crocodile.
“There is a requirement to verify the information before placing it on CrocWatch which is updated weekly,” she said. “CrocWatch should not be regarded as advice on where it may or may not be safe to swim.
“The Department of Environment and Heritage Protection records and investigates all crocodile reports made by the public and will take appropriate action based on the potential safety risk posed by the animal.”