Crocodile caught in Johnstone River

Environment and Heritage Protection (EHP) wildlife rangers have captured a 2.5-metre male crocodile from the Johnstone River at Innisfail.

Minister for Environment and Heritage Protection Andrew Powell said the crocodile had been see adjacent to the rocks in the town reach of the river on Wednesday afternoon.

EHP rangers were patrolling the area following a crocodile sighting report.

“Because the crocodile was seen a number of times in the urban area, it was targeted for removal,” Mr Powell said.

The crocodile will be assessed before being offered to a registered crocodile farm or zoo.

Recent surveys show the crocodile population in the Johnstone River is relatively low, however the river system is crocodile habitat and people must exercise caution.

“Even though we’ve removed one crocodile from the river there may be others in the Johnstone and South Johnstone river systems,” Mr Powell said.

“Rangers will continue to survey the rivers if further sighting reports are received and any crocodile that shows aggressive behaviour or is in a location that threatens public safety will be targeted for removal.”

Recent sighting signs have been erected and permanent warning signs are located throughout the Johnstone and South Johnstone rivers.

The move follows Minister Powell’s announcement earlier this week that the government would work with local councils to manage crocodiles in North Queensland.

“While no natural waterway is 100% risk free, we can implement a process which involves less bureaucratic green tape in decisions about the need to protect the community.

“We do ask that people continue to be ‘crocwise’ in known crocodile habitats, and in areas where crocodiles have been sighted.”

Further information is available at www.ehp.qld.gov.au

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Media contact: Alex Bernard 0417 252 563