Peaceful plan for camels canned

A bold scheme to run camel rides at Peaceful Bay has been called off by the organiser due to personal circumstances.

The Great Southern Camel Company has cancelled its plans to run camel rides at a popular Denmark beach after the proposal was approved by the Shire of Denmark last year.

Shire of Denmark chief executive Bill Parker said the company planned to operate on a six-month trial basis starting this year but had since backed out of the plan.

“Unfortunately the applicant advised late last year that they were not going to progress with the camel tours at Peaceful Bay at the present time due to personal circumstances,” he said.

“Should they wish to reinstate the approval, a new application would be required noting the time limitations that were applied.”

The tourism proposal, similar to the popular camel rides on Broome’s famous Cable Beach, received mixed reviews when it was first considered by Shire councillors last year.

Despite many acknowledging its potential tourism benefits, some Peaceful Bay residents voiced their concerns.

Some said it might interrupt other beach activities such as fishing, surfing and driving.

Others were worried about how it could affect the beach’s erosion issues.

Great Southern Camel Company owner Anna Marie Edwy-Smith said she had pulled out of the proposal because of personal issues.

“We need to stay in Perth and I’m not sure if we can pursue this proposal any longer,” she said.