New crocodile management plan

A new Queensland Crocodile Management Plan released today provides clearer direction on the removal of crocodiles from urban areas.

Minister for Sustainability, Climate Change and Innovation, Andrew McNamara, said the revised plan balances the preservation of public safety with conservation of the vulnerable reptile.

“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,” Mr McNamara said.

“The Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service has public safety as its number one priority in managing crocodiles, which are among the closest living relatives of the dinosaurs.

“Crocodiles are an important part of Queensland’s ecosystem, contributing to the health of Queensland’s environment as well as its economy.”

Mr McNamara said the aim of the updated management plan is to:
• protect humans from crocodile attack;
• conserve viable populations of estuarine crocodiles in the wild;
• prevent stock and aquaculture loss from problem crocodile attacks; and
• ensure the commercial use of estuarine crocodiles is ecologically sustainable.

Among changes from the current management plan is a new definition of ‘problem crocodile’ which is determined by behaviour, location and human use of the area in which it’s found.

“This plan adopts a common sense approach to crocodile management,” Mr McNamara said.

“The Queensland Government recognises that communities in croc country need to be safe, and this plan sets in place laws and management practices to achieve this.

“Crocodiles over 2 metres in length - and not simply moving through or in a well known crocodile habitat - will be removed automatically from urban areas.

“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.

“Contrary to perceptions, North Queensland isn’t being overrun by crocodiles, and recent Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service’s surveys clearly show this.

“Their long-term survival will only be a reality if we continue to actively conserve them.

“We only have one planet, and sustainable development is all about living without destroying the natural environment.”

The new plan also:
• provides for the safe keeping of ‘icon crocodiles’ in captivity;
• covers the accidental taking of crocodiles; and
• supports a Code of Conduct for commercial viewing of crocodiles in the wild.

Mr McNamara said the State Government will work with local councils in crocodile areas to develop management plans which recognise local conditions, such as is currently in place with Cairns City Council.

“The most effective counter to injury from crocodile attack is to develop a community which is ‘croc wise’, and respects the presence of the reptiles, particularly in non-urban areas,” Mr McNamara said.

“Almost all injuries from crocodile attacks occur in non-urban areas when people are swimming, fishing or boating in or near crocodile habitats.

“The management plan includes strategies to enhance existing public education and warning programs for residents and visitors to crocodile habitat areas.”

Mr McNamara said 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.

He said the plan includes a range of strategies to cover the important areas of management of crocodiles in populated areas, public education, monitoring crocodile numbers in the wild, and supporting a sustainable crocodile commercial industry.

The new management plan will come into effect from 1 March 2008.

Media contact: Peter McCarthy 3336 8004