Estuarine Crocodile Spotting

Estuarine crocodiles are listed as vulnerable under the Nature Conservation Act 1992 in Queensland.

Be crocwise in croc country

Trend Environmental was engaged by SMEC, a multinational engineering and development corporation and key contractor for Queensland Rail to undertake estuarine crocodile spotting surveys throughout the Cassowary Coast in Far North Queensland.

We were subcontracted on advice from the Department of Environment and Science (Qld) to provide fauna spotting to ensure bridge upgrades along sections of Queensland’s rail network could be undertaken safely in crocodile country.

Trend undertook habitat assessments and fauna spotting surveys along the creek during the night prior to construction and engineering works.

“The dangers associated with estuarine crocodiles in creeks throughout northern Queensland should never be underestimated.”

A risk analysis determining the likelihood of estuarine crocodile resence was also undertaken to inform construction crews of the risks associated with each creek system. These risk assessments allowed crews to implement appropriate safety measures to ensure they were not likely to come into contact with crocodiles while undertaking the upgrades.

During the course of the project, one crocodile was spotted within the immediate vicinity of the constructions works and additional safety measures were implemented by construction crews working in that area.

This crocodile sighting was reported to CrocWatch for further investigation and reporting by the Department of Environment and Science.