LIBS NEED TO BE CROC WISE NOT TRIGGER HAPPY

Calls by Liberal Party members for crocodile culling were preposterous and ill-informed, Environment Minister Lindy Nelson-Carr said today.

Ms Nelson-Carr said the members of the Liberal party who, during their annual state conference over the weekend, supported the motion to cull crocodiles should be ashamed of themselves.

“These Liberal party members are putting unnecessary fear into the community by calling for the killing of crocodiles.

“You have more chance of being hit by a car than eaten by a crocodile but you don’t see the the Libs banning cars.

“Contrary to claims Liberal party members made at their conference, crocodiles are not walking down the main street of Cairns eating people.”

Ms Nelson-Carr said public safety would always be the priority but culling crocodiles just for the sake of it was not the answer.

“Potentially dangerous crocodiles in populated areas are monitored closely and crocodiles that pose a clear threat to people, dogs or stock are captured and removed from that location.

“Crocodiles were hunted to near extinction last century and the population of this native animal is slowly recovering, but now some Liberal party members are suggesting that they would be better used as handbags or shoes.”

Ms Nelson-Carr said the Queensland Government had a long-standing policy of public safety balanced by the need to protect this vulnerable species and ensure its survival in the wild.

“The Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service state-wide crocodile management program is constantly reviewed to ensure it meets community safety and conservation needs.

“Killing of all crocodiles in or near populated areas could be dangerous because it might lull people into a false sense of security.

“Even if crocodiles were killed or removed, it would not make the area completely crocodile free.

“All provincial cities and towns along the north Queensland coast, are in crocodile country and the community needs to remain vigilant and be ‘croc wise'.

“The key to managing crocodile risks is educating people to be croc wise in croc country not killing them all.”

Information about how to be croc wise is available from the QPWS or by visiting www.epa.qld.gov.au

Crocodile sightings can be reported to the Environmental Protection Agency hotline 1300 130 372 or local QPWS offices.