Ministerial Statement - Crocodiles in Urban Areas
Published Wednesday, 31 October, 2007 at 12:37 PM
Minister for Sustainability, Climate Change and Innovation
The Honourable Andrew McNamara
The following Ministerial Statement was delivered to State Parliament this morning:
"My Agency has the job of balancing the management of crocodiles, which have been inhabiting our waters for millions of years, with the safety of people who yearly encroach further into crocodile habitat.
At the outset, let me make it clear: the Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service has public safety as its number one priority in managing crocodiles.
Crocodile management has been highlighted this week with the case of a crocodile killed in Cairns.
Crocodiles are an important part of Queensland’s ecosystem, contributing to the health of Queensland’s environment as well as its economy.
Recent sightings of crocodiles in Cairns and Townsville aren’t unusual at this time of year.
In fact, crocodile sightings in the North and Far North aren’t unusual at all… they are part of the landscape and always have been.
We only have one planet, and sustainable development is all about living without destroying the environment.
However, we need to be sure that public safety is protected.
The State Government has an agreement with Cairns City Council about how crocodiles should be managed in that urban area.
This recent Cairns case highlights the need for a clear focus and practice in dealing with crocodiles in urban areas.
Charges have been laid against one adult, and two children are being dealt with in relation to the killing.
Clubbing crocodiles to death is unacceptable, and shortly I will release an updated crocodile management plan for the benefit of the public, the tourism industry and EPA officers.
I want my department and the public to have a very clear understanding of the balance between the safety of humans and the conservation of crocodiles.
I want to make it very clear that crocodiles over 2 metres in length - and not simply moving through or in a well known crocodile habitat - will be removed.
As far as I’m concerned, a 2-metre saltwater crocodile taking up residence in an urban area is a problem crocodile, and will be removed.
The Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service commits considerable resources to managing crocodiles, including having skilled staff from central to northern Queensland to respond to crocodile-related incidences.
The wanton destruction that we saw this week by children and encouraged by irresponsible adults is, however, unacceptable and unnecessary."
Media contact: Peter McCarthy 3336 8004
"My Agency has the job of balancing the management of crocodiles, which have been inhabiting our waters for millions of years, with the safety of people who yearly encroach further into crocodile habitat.
At the outset, let me make it clear: the Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service has public safety as its number one priority in managing crocodiles.
Crocodile management has been highlighted this week with the case of a crocodile killed in Cairns.
Crocodiles are an important part of Queensland’s ecosystem, contributing to the health of Queensland’s environment as well as its economy.
Recent sightings of crocodiles in Cairns and Townsville aren’t unusual at this time of year.
In fact, crocodile sightings in the North and Far North aren’t unusual at all… they are part of the landscape and always have been.
We only have one planet, and sustainable development is all about living without destroying the environment.
However, we need to be sure that public safety is protected.
The State Government has an agreement with Cairns City Council about how crocodiles should be managed in that urban area.
This recent Cairns case highlights the need for a clear focus and practice in dealing with crocodiles in urban areas.
Charges have been laid against one adult, and two children are being dealt with in relation to the killing.
Clubbing crocodiles to death is unacceptable, and shortly I will release an updated crocodile management plan for the benefit of the public, the tourism industry and EPA officers.
I want my department and the public to have a very clear understanding of the balance between the safety of humans and the conservation of crocodiles.
I want to make it very clear that crocodiles over 2 metres in length - and not simply moving through or in a well known crocodile habitat - will be removed.
As far as I’m concerned, a 2-metre saltwater crocodile taking up residence in an urban area is a problem crocodile, and will be removed.
The Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service commits considerable resources to managing crocodiles, including having skilled staff from central to northern Queensland to respond to crocodile-related incidences.
The wanton destruction that we saw this week by children and encouraged by irresponsible adults is, however, unacceptable and unnecessary."
Media contact: Peter McCarthy 3336 8004