LOCAL AFFAIRS
Cardwell Monster PETER MCCULLAGH CARDWELL’S newest resident is causing a stir, and certainly creating ripples in the small beachside town. Affectionately known as “Nessie” this 4 metre long crocodile bears similarities to the Loch Ness monster, albeit on a smaller scale.
Shannon Bussenschott from the Beachcomber Restaurant in Cardwell had the opportunity last week to film Nessie and a ‘close’ encounter with an unsuspecting visitor.
Whenever Nessie is around he’s sure to drag a crowd. Robyn Smith, proprietor Ob La Di in Cardwell, knows when Nessie is out. “You see people stopping and he pulls a crowd, there’s cameras out and a real buzz in the town.
“He was drawing a crowd, perhaps a dozen people watching and taking pics. Someone was walking along the beach so Nessie retreated to safety and submerged himself. The guy walked right past where he was, perhaps no more than 4 metres away, Nessie was hidden from view.
I’ve seen him fairly regularly, and he’s got to be at least 4 metres long, it’s hard to tell, but I’m being conservative here.”
“I think people need to keep a COVID-Croc safe distance, I really do not think he is a threat, he just wants to catch some warmth and relax on our beaches.”
“Nessie” at the north side of the Cardwell jetty.
Further along the beachfront, Janet Arnold from the Cardwell Beachfront Motel sees Nessie on a regular basis. “He’s here almost on a daily basis. There’s two of them. I think he has a partner, she’s a little smaller, but they like to get out and about together.”
It appears the croc considers the area north of the Cardwell jetty as his territory. Frequently seen by tourists and locals sunning himself on the sand, retreating into the safety of water if the crowd grows to large or moves too close.
Social media is abuzz in Cardwell with tales and truisms surrounding Nessie. He is even rumored to have his own Instagram page @NessieTheCardwellCroc. Whilst the crocodile may have a name, Nessie, he still is a wild animal and needs to be treated with respect and caution. Keep a safe distance, be mindful when walking on the beach and be sure to share any pic you snap of Nessie. Cardwell is a great spot for lunch, and the locals will welcome you warmly.
“Nessie’s” ‘close’ encounter with an unsuspecting visitor.
CASSOWARY COAST INDEPENDENT NEWSPAPER IS GOING BACK TO PRINT
Published “Nessie” catching some rats on the beach.
FRIDAY
June 26, 2020
N E W NA M E …
Times WET TROPIC
BIGGER & BETTER … “Nessie” enjoying a swim.
Covering a w i d e r area from Ingham to Babinda Cassowary Coast Independent News, Thursday, June 11, 2020 Page 3
