Minister thanks wildlife officers for assistance with police operation

Environment Minister Steven Miles has thanked wildlife officers from the Department of Environment and Heritage Protection for capturing a 4.3 metre crocodile in Port Douglas as part of a police operation.

“It has been a very difficult and harrowing week for all involved, and my thoughts are with the family of Anne Cameron at this sad time,” Mr Miles said.

“The animal believed to be involved was captured and euthanised in the early hours of this morning along the Mowbray River.

"I want to thank our team of highly-skilled wildlife officers who do this difficult, dangerous and critical work.

“The staff are experts in crocodile behaviour, biology and ecology and have done a tremendous job in identifying and removing the target animal.

“I’d also like to thank EHP support staff, the Queensland Police Service for their assistance, and the public for staying away from the area to allow the operation to proceed quickly and safely.

“Wildlife officers are confident the crocodile is the target animal due to its behaviour and size.

“These officers combed the waterways of Port Douglas night after night until the animal was captured, covering sections of the Mowbray River, Craiglie Creek and Four Mile Beach.

"It is important residents and visitors to Port Douglas continue to exercise Crocwise behaviour at all times.

“We have permanent crocodile warning signs in place to remind people this is croc country. The signs are there to keep you safe so please acknowledge them.

“It is also important that all crocodile sightings are reported to EHP as soon as possible on 1300 130 372 so they can be investigated.”

ENDS

Media contact: Alison Brown - 0477 377 622