Rockhampton man fined $10,000 for illegally shooting Fitzroy croc

A local Rockhampton man has been fined $10,000 for illegally shooting a 5.2m crocodile in the Fitzroy River last year.

Environment Minister Leeanne Enoch has praised the outcome of the court case and thanked the Queensland Police Service for their investigation into the matter.

“The Department of Environment and Science (DES) takes offences against wildlife very seriously, and I hope the outcome of this case deters others from illegally shooting or harming crocodiles,” Ms Enoch said.

“Based on the size of the crocodile and the fact it lived in a colder climate, its estimate the animal was between 80 and 100 years old.

“Crocodiles are also culturally significant to the local Darumbal people, so it’s an incredible shame that someone has taken it upon themselves to end this protected animal’s life."

The death of such a large and potentially dominant crocodile will leave a significant vacuum in the Fitzroy River’s biological balance, and could lead to fighting between previously subordinate crocs as they compete for the top spot.

In an impact statement to the court, DES said historically the department had received reports of a very large crocodile in the area where this particular animal was shot, but it was never declared a problem crocodile.

“This particular croc was very wary of humans and was never reported behaving in a manner that posed a risk to human safety,” the statement read.

“The animal’s location was not within the Targeted Management Zone.”

Members of the public are encouraged to report suspected incidents of wildlife-related crime to the department via a wildlife complaint form.

Reports can also be made to DES by phoning 1300 130 372 or through Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

People in the greater Rockhampton area should always be mindful of crocodile safety when spending time on or near the Fitzroy River and its tributaries – known crocodile habitat.

Information on being Crocwise is available via the DES website.

ENDS
MEDIA: Ben Doyle 0437 859 987