Croc removals increase Statewide in the interests of public safety

The Palaszczuk Government has removed 65 crocodiles in Queensland this year, under a management plan helping deliver public safety and survival of the species in the wild.

Environment Minister Dr Steven Miles said the management plan targeted crocodiles that were aggressive, or more than two metres long - with most removals carried out in the Cairns Regional Council area.

“No government has done more on crocodile management than the Palaszczuk Government,” Dr Miles said.

“This Government has committed $5.8 million over the next three years for crocodile management, including $2.7 million for a crocodile survey and monitoring program.

“We have also made the jobs of 10 wildlife officers permanent – their positions were only temporary under the LNP, so we are also creating more jobs in regional Queensland,” he said.

Figures show there have been 65 crocodiles removed in Queensland this year (to October 12); compared with 37 in 2015; 62 in 2014; 36 in 2013, and 9 in 2012.

Most of the crocs removed in the past five years in “Croc Country’’ have been in Cairns – 124; followed by the Cassowary Coast – 25; Torres and Cape York – 20; Port Douglas – 15; Townsville – 14; Hinchinbrook – 8; Fraser Coast – 2; and Mackay – 1.

These crocodiles have been rehomed at farms or zoos distributed between the Sunshine Coast and Cape York Peninsula.

Dr Miles stressed the increase in the number of crocodiles being removed did not necessarily mean there were more of them in Queensland waterways.

“The figures could simply reflect an increase in the number of reported sightings received, weather and breeding patterns,” he said.

Member for Barron River Craig Crawford said the Palaszczuk Government had committed to a state-wide crocodile count.

“To help assess whether crocodile numbers are increasing or decreasing in some Queensland river systems, the Government will soon commence population surveys – not only in the far north – but throughout the state,” Mr Crawford said.

“The crocodile survey and monitoring program will enable us to compare numbers against those recorded in the late 70s, 80s and 90s”.

The largest crocodile removed in Queensland this year was a 4.7-metre male from The Strand. Wildlife officers removed a 4.2-metre long problem crocodile from Dicksons Inlet, at Port Douglas on 9 September.

Member for Thuringowa Aaron Harper said both these large “icon’ crocs had been placed with registered crocodile facilities.

“These facilities agreed to look after the crocs for the rest of their days and to use them for educational purposes,” Mr Harper said.

“We also know saltwater crocodiles occur in the ocean, on offshore islands and can make their way into the upper freshwater reaches during times of flood, so I urge people to always be Crocwise in croc country.”

Member for Townsville Scott Stewart praised the work of wildlife officers.

“They do a tremendous job ensuring the safe capture, handling and transfer of crocodiles in accordance with a code of practice,” Mr Stewart said.

“These specialist officers focus on simultaneously ensuring public safety and conserving the species in the wild.”

Harvest Home Station Crocodile Farm manager Klay Bartlett – who took in the 4.2 metre long crocodile from Dicksons Inlet on Tuesday – said it was “settling in nicely to its new pond”.

“We hope to use him for breeding in the future if we can find a suitable female,” Mr Bartlett said.

“I think the crocodile management plan implemented by the Queensland Government is working well, and after all it is definitely in the interest of public safety.

“We are happy to take in these beautiful animals and give them a nice new home,” he said.

ENDS

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