Camel tour plea headed for mediation

A rejected application from the three camel ride operators on Cable Beach to move their tours from north of the rocks to south of Broome Surf Life Saving Club ramp, is headed for mediation.

The matter was appealed to the State Administrative Tribunal, which has recommended the parties meet with the goal of reaching a united position.

Shire of Broome councillors turned down the request from Red Sun Camels, Broome Camel Safaris and Sundowner Camel Tours in April.

Their decision was based on policy and local laws.

But Red Sun Camels owner John Geappen said the development of policies and local laws were a key function of the council.

“The current local law and policy is not in line with community and visitor expectations,” he said.

“All three business owners have agreed to attend mediation as we are all on the same page.”

They want their trains to run about 1.5km south of the BSLC beach access ramp, where public vehicles are prohibited, because they think the existing location presents hazards to camels and customers.

Mr Geappen said dangerous rocks exposed by tidal movements in an area where there were too many vehicles, and dogs that often chased the camels, presented an unacceptable risk to safety.

The businesses argue their clients were also being exposed to a section where nudists rolled out their towels.

“The fact is the part of the beach where we hope to move is rarely utilised and would in our opinion be a far better option for all concerned,” Mr Geappen said.

He suggested a 30-day trial be considered, with the ultimate aim of altering the council’s policy.