Daintree crocodile conservationist loses livelihood to floodwater
A Daintree River crocodile cruise business is being forced out of business after floods destroyed vital equipment – a groundswell of community support is now trying to get its owner back on the water.
David White, founder of a Daintree River crocodile cruise company called Solar Whisper, has been forced out of business after floodwaters capsized the boat that his work depends on.
On Friday, March 6, a low-pressure system across Far North Queensland brought a deluge of rain to the Daintree, causing floodwaters to break the mooring of the Solar Whisper boat.
White said he found the unique solar-powered boat upside down in floodwater, with the business’ ticket office and surrounding infrastructure also under water.
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He claimed the Solar Whisper was the only zero emission boat on the Daintree River, specifically designed to quietly glide up to crocodiles and other wildlife without scaring the creature or hurting their habitat.
As one of Australia’s most-dedicated crocodile conservationists, David White has spent 29 years protecting the species through education, storytelling, advocacy and documentation.
Amanda French, co-founder of CROC QLD and crocodile conservationist, kickstarted a GoFundMe titled Support Solar Whisper: Keeping Crocodile Conservation Afloat, to help White get back on his feet.
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“He’s probably the biggest stronghold for crocodile (0:56) conservation in this country… If anyone deserves our help, it’s David,” French said.
French explained that White contributed greatly to CROC QLD’s campaign by supplying video content, photos and information about crocodiles.
“David lives and breathes crocodiles… He’d be very, very lost without his ability to raise awareness about crocodiles.”
French explained her desire to help White recover comes not only from supporting a fellow conservationist, but from her own experience of losing everything to floods.
“I’ve personally been through the 2022 floods in Brisbane, so I know what is involved in the weeks and months that are following, you get the help for a couple of days from people, and then you’re completely on your own.”
The GoFundMe goal was originally set for $100,000, but after meeting this goal within three days, it was raised to $120,000.
White says the cost to rebuild the boat to a legal standard for his usual amount of passengers is estimated at around $300,000.
He explains the Solar Whisper wasn’t insured for its full amount due to his being a small business with limited capacity and large overheads.
“It cost me $11,000 a year to insure her for the $80,000 (including public liability)… I also operate in the marine park section of the river which means we pay ongoing costs if we are working or not,” White explained.
“So I still have overhead pontoon fees, land tax, rent etc even when I am not operating, so I just couldn’t insure her for $300,000. I hope that helps people understand.”
White was shocked to see the support from the community.
“I am just so so grateful for everyone and all they have done… I will show how the money is spent since it’s all your money and you have the right to know where it is spent,” he said.
“This has been more than my livelihood, this is my life, my passion, my everything and I don’t really do anything other than the river and wildlife.
“Thank you. I have no words to describe my feelings of this and had no idea so many people would care.”
At the time of writing, $133,000 has been raised to help David recover from the floods and Solar Whisper is now the beneficiary of the GoFundMe fundraiser.
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