Australian State Government Of Queensland Partners With Technology Firm To Create A Mobile App To Report Crocodile Sightings

From sparkling blue oceans to scenic islands and rain forest, the northern Australian state of Queensland has an array of natural habitats. They are home to plants, mammals, and reptiles that are found nowhere else in the world.

One animal native to this region is the saltwater crocodile. Also known as estuarine crocodiles or "salties," these animals are the largest crocodile species in the world. An attack from this predator may cause serious injuries or prove fatal, so the government in Queensland stepped in to find a new way to help keep residents safe.

The Queensland Government Department of Environment and Science—responsible for national park management and wildlife conservation—initially set up a toll-free number for people to report crocodile sightings. However, the phone-based system required a series of emails to route reports to decision-making personnel and for field staff to manage the sightings. This caused delays in handling sightings and gave no feedback to the members of the public who took the time to report crocodile sightings.

In search of a more efficient solution, the Queensland Government asked GP One Consulting to help staff develop an app for smartphones and tablets to better manage reports of crocodile sightings. GP One Consulting is a software development services business based in Townsville, Queensland, Australia—the heart of "Croc Country." The company focuses on delivering targeted spatial web and native mobile applications.

The company developed a digital app that has made it much easier for residents and tourists to report saltwater crocodile sightings and for rangers to respond quickly, ultimately improving decision-making to conserve this unique species and promote public safety in Croc Country.