Ingham’s Crocodile Hunter legacy

Evidence of the beginnings of the worldwide reputation established by Bob Irwin and his family was discovered recently in Ingham.

Minister for Sustainability, Climate Change and Innovation, Andrew McNamara, recently presented Bob with a framed original permit application to remove crocodiles from North Queensland made in 1989 and 1990 to the Irwin family.

“Staff at the EPA’s Ingham office realised, when they dusted off the files, that they were looking at early applications made by the Irwins for permits to remove estuarine crocodiles,” Mr McNamara said.

“The permits, to relocate estuarine crocodiles from Ingham to the Queensland Reptile Park at Beerwah on the Sunshine Coast, were issued by the then Queensland National Parks and Wildlife Service.

“The crocodiles were removed from waterways between Crystal Creek and the Burdekin River, and transported by road, rail and air to the Queensland Reptile Park.”

Mr McNamara said the Ingham office staff were pleased that a small part of the legacy left by Steve Irwin was located in their corner of the world.

“These early permit applications were presented to Bob to recognise his many years of dedication to increasing our knowledge of crocodile habitats and habits through his work.”

“The Irwin story is truly an Australian one.

“From the beginnings of the Queensland Reptile Park, Bob and the Irwin family have established an international reputation.

“Bob has provided invaluable input, working with the EPA to raise awareness of this threatened species and promote appropriate behaviour in their wild habitats.”

Media contact: Peter McCarthy 3336 8004

Editor's note: Photographs of the presentation are available.