Camels are coming into communities in central Australia and turning on the taps, the Macdonnell Shire Council says.
The shire has applied to the Federal Government for a $4.5 million slice of infrastructure funding to build camel-proof boundaries around 14 communities.
Wayne Wright from the shire says thirsty camels are causing significant damage.
"In a number of our communities it's quite common for camels to enter the community and if there are any taps adjacent to houses they're quite capable of either turning the taps on or knocking the taps off so they get water."
The intention is to put cattle grids at the entrances of the communities and place fencing around them.
The fencing would also protect the communities from other feral animals, such as donkeys and horses.
Mr Wright says the animals rip up plants and thwart efforts to improve the aesthetics of the communities.
"The big issue for us is should we try to do any beautification works in our communities - tree planting, grassing of areas.
"Unless we can limit the access to those areas, we are going to be wasting our money."
The shire is expecting to find out if the application has been successful next month.
http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2009/03/30/2529601.htm
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