A THREE metre freshwater crocodile has been sighted this week at Cloncurry’s Chinaman Creek Dam.
Cloncurry Shire Council's Thea Dasios said the crocodile was not dangerous and had posed no threat to recreational users of the dam.
She said most locals were aware of 'freshies' in the dam, but this was the first time a crocodile of this size had been spotted in recent memory.
"The croc was actually located on the far western side of the dam, well away from the eastern side where the boat ramps and recreational users are," she said.
"Most people in Cloncurry know the crocs are in there, but they are usually much smaller and tend to stay away and mind their own business.
"I'd say this croc has either been in the dam for a long time or has come in from the river on the big rains."
The dam was critically short of water only a fortnight ago, prompting local authorities to consider evacuating the town of 3800 for fear drinking supplies would run dry.
Monsoonal activity has since filled the dam to 90 per cent capacity.
