Channel Nine footage raises questions about
crocodile in waters around Brisbane Airport
TheSundayMail.com.au
THE mystery surrounding possible crocodile sightings in Brisbane waterways
has forced Brisbane Airport Corporation to erect warning signs.
None of the sightings around Schultz Canal and further down the Kedron Brook
Floodway have been confirmed, but the Department of Environment and Resource
Management is working with BAC to ensure staff are aware of the possibility
of a crocodile lurking around the airport's western boundary.
BAC spokesman Jim Carden said the company was taking all possible
precautions.
"While we recognise that the sightings have not been confirmed, we are
taking the reports very seriously, as there is an extensive network of
waterways that criss-cross the airport, and the species is known to be very
mobile," he said.
Mr Carden, who is also secretary of the Cribb Island Boardriders Club - a
social club for snow and water-sports enthusiasts living and working around
the airport - has warned members against using the mouth of the Kedron Brook
for off-season big wave training.
"Fortunately, the training occurs mostly in winter, but as a precaution, our
members will be avoiding the area for the next little while, and we advise
other recreational water-sports enthusiasts to do the same," he said.
"We also take the warnings seriously as the sightings have been reported in
areas that are relatively close to the newly constructed Airport taxi feeder
area."
DERM Director of Wildlife Nick Rigby said that the area had been extensively
surveyed by expert croc spotters and no evidence of a crocodile had been
found. "Despite reports of recent crocodile sightings in the Nudgee Beach
area, the department does not believe there is a crocodile in this area," he
said.
"It is likely that this is a case of mistaken identity and that observers
may have seen a shark, turtle or dugong," he said.
Mr Rigby said the two warning signs placed on BAC land were standard
procedure and they would be removed after seven days if no further sightings
were recorded.
On Friday, Parks and Wildlife rangers captured and removed a four-metre long
crocodile from the Herbert River, north of Townsville.
The crocodile was seen in a freshwater waterhole in the Lower Herbert and
was displaying threatening behaviour to people fishing in the area.
Parks and Wildlife Service Team Leader Scott Sullivan said the croc had been
brought to Townsville and will be relocated to a crocodile farm.
To report crocodile sightings or incidents, contact the DERM Hotline 1300
130 372.
