General News
21 March, 2023
UPDATE People swimming in croc creek
A 2M crocodile has been removed from Saltwater Creek at Manoora but people have been sighted swimming in the waterway known as a natural habitat for the dangerous reptiles.
A Department of Environment and Science (DES) spokeswoman said on March 1, licensed contractors removed a 2m crocodile from the creek and it was rehomed in a licensed crocodile farm.
Despite the capture of the animal, the spokeswoman warned people to always be “crocwise in croc country”
“Residents and visitors in croc country are reminded to always be mindful of the risks associated with swimming in known crocodile habitat and to be aware of their surroundings at all times,” she said.
Two adults with two young children were spotted swimming in the suburban creek where the 2m crocodile had been sighted several times.
They were seen in Saltwater Creek at Manoora, behind the Piccone’s IGA supermarket. on Monday about 5.05pm.
One of the men was cast netting in the creek while the two children and another young man frolicked in the water.
When warned about the crocodile, the fisherman replied: “Yeah, I know, no worries, but thank you brother.”
They remained in the water.
Cairns Local News reported last month that signs had been installed in the area behind the shopping centre to warn people of the croc.
Earlier a Department of Environment and Science (DES) spokeswoman said the department had received three sighting reports of a crocodile in the creek since January 30.
“Members of the public reported seeing a crocodile of approximately 2m in length,” she said.
“Wildlife officers conducted a site assessment of the area and notified its crocodile management contractors at the Dawul Wuru Aboriginal Corporation.
“Under the Queensland Crocodile Management Plan, the Cairns suburb of Manoora is located within zone B (active removal zone). This means that any crocodile confirmed to be present is targeted for removal.
“Should the contractors from the Dawul Wuru Aboriginal Corporation locate the crocodile, it will be targeted for removal from the wild.”
The signs have since been removed.
“Recent crocodile warning signs are only put in place for seven days in locations where the public should be warned about recent crocodile activity in the area. They are not permanent signs,” the spokeswoman said.
She said the public were encouraged to report crocodile sightings as soon as possible, through the QWildlife app or by calling 1300 130 372. DES investigates all reports it receives.
The department has been contacted for comment about the swimmers and the status of the croc removal operation.
