Flat pack trap safer for crocodiles and handlers

A new ‘flat pack croc trap’, being trialled in North Queensland will aim to make catching crocodiles safer for both the animals and the people handling them.

Environment Minister Andrew Powell said this was more evidence of the LNP Government delivering on another key election promise for North Queensland and revitalising frontline services.

“Unlike the previous Labor Government, we have placed a great deal of importance on the way problem crocodiles are managed,” Mr Powell said.

“This is an innovative idea that will deal with crocs quickly and safely.

“The new ‘flat pack trap’ can be launched directly from our croc boats and winched back into the boat when a crocodile has been caught.

“The animal can then be transferred to a specially designed box ready for transporting.

“There’s no need for anyone to directly handle the crocodile, meaning it’s safer for us and it’s less stressful for the animal.”

Mr Powell said the new trap weighed around 85 kilograms, around half the weight of a standard croc trap.

“If this trial is successful it could become a world-first, best practice approach to problem crocodile management,” he said.

The flat pack design makes room for new plastic-based transport boxes to be slid inside the trap.

Mr Powell said the transportable boxes are a big improvement on standard timber croc boxes and include internal watering systems to ensure the animal’s well-being.

“We are trialling one flat pack croc trap and three plastic transportable boxes at the moment and if the trials prove successful, we will begin rolling out more of them,” Mr Powell said.

“Under the Newman Government’s strong crocodile management plan, the future of the species and community safety will remain a priority.”

[ENDS] 29 May 2014

Contact: Lynette Keep 0419 620 299