DRAFT CROC PLAN DRAWS MORE THAN SEVENTY SUBMISSIONS
Published Thursday, 10 May, 2007 at 11:51 AM
Minister for Environment and Multiculturalism
The Honourable Lindy Nelson-Carr
Submissions on the draft Crocodile Conservation Plan have closed, with more than 70 submissions received and now being considered by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
Environment Minister Lindy Nelson-Carr said draft Nature (Estuarine Crocodile) Conservation Plan 2007 was released in March and submissions closed 4 May.
"The plan is updated every 10 years and the new version will regulate conservation and management of estuarine crocodiles in the wild for the next 10 years,” Ms Nelson-Carr said.
“Nearly half the submissions were from individuals, with the rest coming from councils, government, business, conservation and other organisations.
“Submissions included a petition regarding removal of crocodiles from populated areas.
“EPA staff will now analyse the submissions, and armed with that information and the results of the recent crocodile population surveys, will develop the final plan.
“Findings of the crocodile population surveys will be announced in the near future.”
Ms Nelson-Carr said the Queensland Crocodile Advisory Committee, which is made up of representatives from government departments, the crocodile farming industry and green groups, will have input to the final plan before it is considered by Cabinet.
“It’s expected the plan will be ready by the end of 2007.
"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.
"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.
Media contact: Karla Steen 3336 8004
Environment Minister Lindy Nelson-Carr said draft Nature (Estuarine Crocodile) Conservation Plan 2007 was released in March and submissions closed 4 May.
"The plan is updated every 10 years and the new version will regulate conservation and management of estuarine crocodiles in the wild for the next 10 years,” Ms Nelson-Carr said.
“Nearly half the submissions were from individuals, with the rest coming from councils, government, business, conservation and other organisations.
“Submissions included a petition regarding removal of crocodiles from populated areas.
“EPA staff will now analyse the submissions, and armed with that information and the results of the recent crocodile population surveys, will develop the final plan.
“Findings of the crocodile population surveys will be announced in the near future.”
Ms Nelson-Carr said the Queensland Crocodile Advisory Committee, which is made up of representatives from government departments, the crocodile farming industry and green groups, will have input to the final plan before it is considered by Cabinet.
“It’s expected the plan will be ready by the end of 2007.
"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.
"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.
Media contact: Karla Steen 3336 8004