Cable Beach must be no-crocodile zone: Barnett

Premier Colin Barnett says crocodiles on Cable Beach are causing serious damage to Broome’s reputation as an international tourist mecca.

In an interview with theBroome Advertiser , Mr Barnett said the recent capture of a three-metre estuarine crocodile on the famous strip was hurting the branding of the region and damaging its reputation.

“Those crocodiles on Cable Beach, they have got to be got rid of – it’s as simple as that,” he said.

“Seriously, there is no prospect of building an international tourism reputation if you have got crocodiles on the beach.”

Mr Barnett conceded the notion sounded “flippant” but was serious with his message.

“I know it sounds silly and it is one or two crocodiles, but that can just do immense damage and that has got to be fixed,” he said.

Mr Barnett acknowledged there would be some backlash but something needed to be done.

I know a lot of environmentalists, and I respect their views, probably would not agree with that,” he said.

“Those crocodiles have been pushed up to Willy Creek and north of Willy Creek and that is where they need to stay if Broome’s going to maintain its idyllic image as this beautiful beach area and so on.”

Mr Barnett was in Broome today to address an economic forum.

The Department of Parks and Wildlife already has a crocodile risk mitigation area that surrounds the Broome town site, including Cable Beach.

It means that any crocodile entering the area would be removed.