Owner waits for Cable Beach camel decision

The business owner awarded one of three licences to operate camels on Cable Beach faces a nervous wait to find out if the decision will be upheld.

Shire of Broome councillors this month agreed to issue permits to Red Sun Camels and Broome Camel Safaris, and Steve Madden.

But Ships of the Desert, which had held the third licence, missed out this time round because the council said the company failed to provide evidence of appropriately zoned land to house its animals.

Ships of the Desert owner Jamie Bright has appealed against the decision to the State Administrative Tribunal, which will hear it from February 3 to 5.

Mr Madden sold Red Sun Camels to current owner John Geappen in 2000.

He returned to Broome with Cable Beach Camels from 2005 to 2007 when competition between rivals was fierce.

The council subsequently introduced a three-licences-only policy and Cable Beach Camels missed out.

Mr Madden then moved to Queensland and started Fraser Coast Camel Safaris, which operates on the Hervey Bay beachfront.

Speaking to the Broome Advertiser last week, Mr Madden said he intended to drive 12 to 14 camels from Hervey Bay to Broome and rebrand his new Cable Beach venture as Sundowner Camel Tours.

"My plan at the moment is to arrive in Broome at the end of February," he said.

"I will drop off the first lot then drive back and pick up the rest of the camels."

Mr Madden said he was grateful for the council decision to issue him with a licence after his self-imposed exile to the Sunshine State seven years ago but acknowledged he had to wait for due process to take its course.

"It is my hope the SAT will uphold the council's decision to award me a licence," he said.

"Until that time there is a fair degree of uncertainty and anxiety on my part. On a personal level, I feel that is a bit unfair but on an objective level anyone has a right to appeal."

Mr Madden said he left town during a hostile period in the beach camel trade but he still called Broome home.

"Back then, was a very difficult and unpleasant time," he said.

"Broome is the place where I have lived the longest period of time, apart from Papua New Guinea.

"There are a lot of people living there that I classify as good friends.

"The lifestyle, weather and famous sun sets are also dear to my heart.

"I loved working in Broome and it is the place I still call home."

Mr Madden said he doubted the camel war would continue if SAT upheld the council decision.

"I seriously doubt there will be a repeat of the past this time round - people are watching that now," he said.

Mr Madden said he was unsure what he would do if SAT ruled against him.

"I really don't want to think too far ahead," he said.

"I just hope SAT upholds the council decision and this can all be sorted and resolved once and for all."

I loved working in Broome and it is the place I still call home. Steve Madden