DENMARK DROMEDARIES

Camel trains could be operating on Denmark’s beaches as soon as next summer, as part of a bold new tourism venture.

The Great Southern Camel Company has submitted a proposal to the Shire of Denmark to run camel rides at Parry beach and Peaceful Bay, starting in November.

It would be similar to the popular camel rides on Broome’s famous Cable Beach, which attracts thousands of visitors every year.

The proposal is open for public comment before it goes before the Shire council for final approval.

“Set-up will be at 3pm-7pm and day’s operation will be from Thursday-Sunday,” the proposal says.

“We will operate three to four camels with two seats available on each.” The company said it had considered the impact of camels on the beach to the area and visitors, but said the rides would cause minimal disruption as camels had worked on beaches across Australia without incident.

“The beach and the loading area will be left in pristine condition after each session, the camels will be fitted with a bag that captures all droppings,” the proposal states.

“We don’t anticipate any issues with people on the beach — the camels will give them a wide berth if they are set up on the beach.” Shire of Denmark chief executive Bill Parker said the Shire was yet to determine a position on the proposal.

“Although the proposal aligns well with the Shire’s strategic community plan from a tourism and economic development perspective, the Shire needs to balance these potential benefits against the environmental impacts and community comments on the proposal,” he said.

The Shire has received one formal submission so far, which was in support of the proposal.

Some members of the community have posted concerns about the camel attraction online, saying it might impose restrictions on beach-goers, dogs and vehicles, which Mr Parker said he was aware of.

He encouraged community members to make formal submissions to planning services before the proposal’s public comment period closed on April 6.