General News
24 September, 2025
Youth informed on croc danger
MAREEBA Shire Deputy Mayor Lenore Wyatt is standing firm in her campaign for the timely removal of crocodiles in local waterways, saying it is inexcusable that younger generations can’t know the freedoms of going for a swim in nearby rivers.
A recent presentation to Year Three students about crocodile safety near local waterways has created a new energy for Cr Wyatt to step up saltwater crocodile removal strategies and actions in waterways around Mareeba.
“I think that it is inexcusable that having these introduced species at the Two Mile (Creek) and other local waterways now makes it unsafe for our younger generations,” she said.
“It is inexcusable for them not to know the freedoms of going for a swim in our local river that previous locals have known for generations.
“I explained to the children that a recent Department of Environment zoning to Zone F means that any crocodile found in the Two Mile must be removed.
“It still means that extreme care should be taken by everyone nearing waterways or riverbanks because of the recognised threat the apex predators now pose to everyone.”
The call comes after a 4.6 metre saltwater crocodile was euthanised by Departmental rangers earlier this year within the Two Mile confines.
“The difficulty is that the first sighting was notified to the Department in January, but it took many months and many ranger visits afterwards before the large crocodile was removed,” Cr Wyatt said.
“With up to 36 crocodiles estimated to be in the Two Mile waterways in 2018, there needs to be more emphasis and action on total removal of the potentially dangerous, even deadly, salties, rather than awaiting a tragedy to occur.
“Adding further to the dangerous situation, farmers and others have irrigation and water supply foot valves located within the very waters that now have become home or roam areas for the saltwater crocodiles, which are in reality, an introduced species to the area.
“While there are numerous theories in abundance, the fact remains, that there were no saltwater crocodiles present in local waters ever – at least not until the establishment of a nearby commercial saltwater crocodile farm and the advent of later flooding.
“The blame game can come later, but surely the emphasis now for everyone should be total removal of saltwater crocodiles from the area as a matter of duty of care and responsibility to local citizens and members of the public and others who use local waterways.”
She said it is expected that, with the department’s support, the Zone F boundary may be extended to include nearby stretches of the Barron River.
“However, it is critical that all crocodile sightings in the area are reported to the Department on 1300 130 372 as a matter of extreme urgency as a means of personal safety and the safety of many others living and relaxing near local waterways,” Cr Wyatt added.
