ONLY FOUR MORE DAYS TO COMMENT ON CROC PLAN

Time is running out for people to have their say on the draft Crocodile Conservation Plan, with submissions closing at the end of this week.

Environment Minister Lindy Nelson-Carr said submissions for the draft Nature (Estuarine Crocodile) Conservation Plan 2007 – released for public comment in March – closed on Friday 4 May.

“The draft plan has been the topic of much debate, so if you want to have a say then now is the time to do it,” Ms Nelson-Carr said.

“The plan will regulate conservation and management of estuarine crocodiles in the wild for the next 10 years.

“Queensland's estuarine crocodile population is being assessed as part of the statewide plan.

“In developing this plan, the Environmental Protection Agency is aiming to get the balance right between public safety, sustainable commercial use of estuarine crocodiles and protecting this species in the wild.

“As I have said previously, nothing is set in stone.

“This is still a draft and we want to hear what Queenslanders think.”

Ms Nelson-Carr said the increasing number of crocodile sightings around populated areas highlighted the importance of updating the plan, which occurred every 10 years.

“Crocodiles will always be part of our natural environment and we need to look at the best way to manage them,” Ms Nelson-Carr said.

“Submissions will close on Friday 4 May and will then be considered for inclusion in the final plan.”

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


Media contact: Karla Steen 3336 8004 or Lisa Gilby 3336 8002