'Large bull camels weighing hundreds of kilos' move into NT communities
Feral camels are wreaking havoc on outback infrastructure as they search for water to drink. (Supplied: NT government)
In short:
Large herds of feral camels are moving into remote communities in Central Australia in search of water, damaging water mains and fences.
Lands, Planning and Environment Minister Josh Burgoyne says some homes have been left without water on days over 40 degrees Celsius.
What's next?
Mr Burgoyne says the NT government will seek support from the Commonwealth to cull the feral camel population "back to manageable numbers".
The Northern Territory government is calling for Commonwealth support to stop hundreds of feral camels from wreaking "havoc" in remote communities in Central Australia, with the animals damaging water mains and fences in search of water.
On Tuesday, NT Lands, Planning and Environment Minister Josh Burgoyne said a "dry spell down in Central Australia" over the past six months had led to herds of camels moving into communities to find water in recent weeks.
Loading..."What happens during these dry spells is that these camels that are usually out in the desert will come into these local communities, being able to smell the water," he said.
"These camels have been coming in, damaging fences, and actually digging up water mains around local houses.
"This has meant that, over a summer period where we have seen temperatures exceed 40 degrees, some remote houses have actually been without water."
The feral animals are causing damage to fencing and water infrastructure. (Supplied: NT government)
Mr Burgoyne said the NT government wanted the Commonwealth's support to cull the animals "back to manageable numbers".
"Back in about 07 or 08, when Kevin Rudd was first elected, there was a large camel cull that was initiated by the federal government," he said.
"We have the expertise in this matter, but I think what we really need now is the funding to be able to get there.
"What we need now is to all come together, with all levels of government, as well as working with the local land councils."
Josh Burgoyne says the NT government is asking for federal support to tackle the issue. (ABC News: Pete Garnish)
Mr Burgoyne said he would reach out to federal Indigenous Australians Minister Malarndirri McCarthy and Environment Minister Murray Watt.
"For some people it might seem a world away, but for these communities on the ground, imagine waking up one morning and seeing hundreds of camels in your local community — and they can get quite aggressive," he said.
"We're talking about large bull camels weighing hundreds of kilos that just want water, and they're willing to do anything … to try and get it."
He said the NT government was working with the territory's housing department to ensure water was returned to affected homes.
"In the meantime, we still have mobs of some hundreds of camels roaming around remote communities and causing all sorts of havoc," he said.
Camels were first introduced to Australia in the 1840s. The animals were used by explorers travelling the country's vast deserts and as a means of transporting goods.
Today, there are an estimated 300,000 to 1 million feral camels in Australia, with the animals found across more than 40 per cent of land in the NT.
An NT government website states: "Although aerial shooting of large animals like horses and camels is an emotive issue, it is the most effective and humane way to cull large feral herbivores in remote areas that are hard to access."
A previous federal government-supported initiative — the $19 million Australian Feral Camel Management Project — led to the culling of 160,000 camels in Central Australia between 2009 and 2013.
The national program involved about 20 partner organisations, including the NT, SA, Queensland and WA governments, Aboriginal organisations in those jurisdictions and conservation and pastoral groups.
A final report on the program in 2013 recommended the federal government work in partnership with states and territories to "maintain a coordinated approach" to feral camel management, among other advice.
Senator McCarthy and Senator Watt have been contacted for comment.