DRAFT CROCODILE CONSERVATION PLAN RELEASED FOR COMMENT

The Queensland Government is encouraging Queenslanders to have their say on the protection and management of one of Queensland’s most iconic animals – the estuarine or saltwater crocodile.

During a visit to a well known crocodile habitat in Rockhampton today, Environment Minister Lindy Nelson-Carr released the draft Nature Conservation (Estuarine Crocodile) Conservation Plan 2007 for public comment.


“The conservation plan regulates conservation and management of saltwater crocodiles in the wild,” Ms Nelson-Carr said.

“The plan represents a balanced approach to managing this iconic species in Queensland.

“In developing this plan, the Environmental Protection Agency aimed to get the balance right between public safety, sustainable commercial use of saltwater crocodiles and protecting these ancient, vulnerable animals in the wild.

“Now we want to hear what Queenslanders think.

“I encourage all Queenslanders who have an interest in these animals to have their say.”

Ms Nelson-Carr said claims that estuarine crocodile populations were exploding and should be culled were not based on fact.

“There is a view that crocodile populations in Queensland have exploded since commercial hunting was banned in the 1970s – this is simply not the case.

“It’s more likely that more people are visiting or moving into croc habitat, and so more people are noticing crocs.

“Saltwater crocodiles are a vulnerable species with only about 30,000 believed to be left in the wild in Queensland.

“Crocodiles are one of Australia’s native predators that keep the ecosystem functioning and without them, Queensland would be a very different place,” Ms Nelson-Carr said.

Copies of the draft plan are available at regional EPA/QPWS offices, online at www.epa.qld.gov.au or by phoning (07) 3247 5975.

Submissions close on Friday 4 May, 2007.

Media contact: Karla Steen on 3336 8004 or Andie Gatti on 3336 8002