Mareeba Croc Survey Findings

A report tabled at November’s Council meeting confirmed that at this point in time, there were no saltwater crocodiles found in the Barron River from the bridge on Henry Hannam Drive at Mareeba to the Barron Falls at Kuranda.

Mayor Angela Toppin said Council contracted Top End Crocodile Service to conduct two surveys of local waterways following inuendo of crocodile sightings.

A survey of the Barron River conducted in August this year found small, isolated pockets of freshwater crocodiles inhabited the targeted section of the Barron River, but concluded that there was no evidence of saltwater crocodiles.

The survey also identified a small population of freshwater crocodiles were found in the Barron River and the Tinaroo Creek weir. The report suggests that while it is a breeding population, survival rates of eggs and hatchlings would be incredibly low.

An earlier survey conducted by TECS along Two Mile Creek and Lake Mitchell established the presence of saltwater crocodiles within that waterway system.

Mayor Angela Toppin said Council would continue to advocate for the removal of the saltwater reptiles found in the Two-Mile Creek and Lake Mitchell areas.

“It is concerning that there are saltwater crocodiles in the Two-Mile Creek and Lake Mitchell areas and Council will continue to lobby the relevant government departments to take appropriate action to remove these animals,” Cr Toppin said.

“They are not naturally found here and should be removed.

“The State Government needs to move quickly before the reptiles mature and start reproducing,” Cr Toppin said.