Crocs caught consecutively in Cairns creek

Another 3-metre crocodile has been removed from Thomatis Creek, north of the Cairns CBD.

Environment Minister Andrew Powell said the crocodile was captured yesterday  in a floating trap, and matches a 3-metre croc caught further downstream in the creek on 1 September.

“The croc was first seen by rangers doing a routine survey, with the trap set on Wednesday,” Mr Powell said.

“The animal will be assessed then offered to a registered crocodile farm or zoo.”

Mr Powell said both crocodiles were caught in “Zone 2” of the Cairns Regional Council Saltwater Crocodile Management Plan.

“The zone extends on the coast from Buchan Point south to Machans Beach and all crocs in this zone are targeted for capture and removal,” he said.

“The Newman Government promised to ensure people’s safety is a priority and we are delivering on that commitment.

“We’ve now removed three crocodiles in the Cairns area in the past week, two from Thomatis creek and one from the Barron River.

“Rangers will continue surveying Thomatis Creek and if other crocs are found, the trap will be going back in.”

However Mr Powell said it was important for locals and visitors to be aware the crocodiles’ capture did not mean the area was crocodile free.

 “Cairns waterways are known crocodile habitats and the animals are becoming more mobile as the weather heats up,” he said.

“People must continue Crocwise behaviour in known croc country.”

 This includes:

 ·         Obeying croc warning signs

·         Not swimming or letting pets swim in waters where crocs may live

·         Being aware crocodiles also swim in the ocean

·         Standing back from the water when fishing or cast netting

·         Never provoking, harassing or feeding crocs

·         Never leaving  food, fish scraps or bait near the water, a camp site or boat ramp, and

·         Always supervising children.

 “Any crocodiles sighted in Thomatis Creek or anywhere in the Cairns should be reported on 1300 130 372 and they will be investigated,” he said.

 Further information on crocodiles and being Crocwise is available on EHP’s website at www.ehp.qld.gov.au.

 [ENDS] 06 September 2013

Media contact: Brooke Hargraves 0458 689 043