Public feedback sought on updated crocodile management plan

• The Queensland Government has reviewed its Crocodile Management Plan.
• A draft new plan includes updates to the existing crocodile management zones and specific information about the risks and management responses for each zone.
• Public consultation on the new plan opens tomorrow and closes on 5 June.

The Queensland Government has reviewed its crocodile management plan to ensure it remains responsive to the community’s needs.

Environment Minister Leanne Linard and officers from the Department of Environment, Science and Innovation hosted a roundtable forum in Cairns today to brief stakeholders on the draft new management plan.

The new plan includes updates to the existing crocodile management zones as well as specific information about the risks and management responses for each zone and how problem crocodiles are identified and targeted for removal.

The number of crocodile management zones will reduce from six to four and three specific areas – Tyto Wetlands in the Hinchinbrook Shire, Southedge Dam in Mareeba Shire and a number of lagoons in the Rockhampton Region – are being re-zoned.

It also includes the launch of proactive trials of hazing in the Fitzroy River in Rockhampton to change crocodile behaviour and drive the reptiles upstream and away from the city as well as a new research project in the Proserpine River, which currently has the highest density of large crocodiles in Queensland, to enhance the understanding our crocodile movements in the area.

The draft new plan also includes the introduction of an annual feedback process to allow for new risks to be  identified and verified as well as for evidence-based changes to zones if required.

The plan has been informed by a review undertaken by an expert committee led by then-Chief Scientist Hugh Possingham, new research on estuarine crocodile genetics and continued research and modelling on the population of crocodiles in Queensland.

Public consultation on the new plan opens tomorrow (9 May) and closes on 5 June. Feedback received will be analysed by DESI before the plan is finalised and implemented later this year.

Quotes attributable to Minister for the Environment and the Great Barrier Reef, Leanne Linard:

“I acknowledge that the management of crocodiles is an emotive issue, with a wide variety of views within the community.

“Through our Crocodile Management Plan, the government seeks to achieve a very careful balance between two important priorities –community protection and conservation.

“We are committed to ensuring our plan remains fit-for-purpose and responsive to changes with the crocodile population and community expectations.

“That is why the department has reviewed its plan and developed a draft new plan.

“Community education will remain a major part of our strategy.

“The recent tragic event in the Torres Strait has again highlighted the dangers posed by crocodiles in the wild.

“We must continue to work to inform and educate the community about the dangers of crocodiles and the importance of always taking extra precautions when in Croc Country.

“Our Labor Government has continued to invest in crocodile management in Queensland.

“The 2021-22 Budget allocated $12 million over four years to manage the crocodile population and promote public safety.

“The 2022-23 Budget included an additional $4.175 million in funding for new crocodile detection and deterrence research and product development and enhanced communications.

“We will continue to listen to the experts, stakeholders and the wider community to ensure we are managing our crocodile population appropriately and effectively to meet our community protection and conservation goals.” 

ENDS

Media contact: Scott Chandler – (07) 3719 7339