Crocodiles will be removed from their habitat under a Queensland Government proposal for more removal zones and more patrols.
The government’s new crocodile management plan targets Ingham, Gordonvale (Mulgrave River) and Mareeba in Far North Queensland.
REMOVAL ZONES
Tyto Wetlands, Ingham: Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service to remove all crocodiles in this visitor area (now designated an active removal zone).
Targeted removals from three popular waterholes on the Mulgrave River, upstream of Gordonvale, for animals larger than two metres long or behaving dangerously.
Barron River near Mareeba to become a reportable removal zone with any animal reported by the public to be removed.
Southedge Dam near Mareeba to be designed a reportable removal zone.
Government says towns will have a month-long consultation every year, with a mandatory review every five years, but the plan has been criticised by environmentalists and opposition MPs: click here for that story.
Environment and Tourism Minister Andrew Powell describes the plan as “common sense” and believes it will restore community safety.
“More patrols and expansion of removal areas will prioritise safety and strike the balance needed for crocodile management in Queensland,” he claims.
CROCODILE PLAN ‘BACKED’
MP for Mulgrave Terry James (LNP) says his community wants the plan.
“These are popular waterholes where locals like to swim and our plan is making them safer,” he claims.
MP for Cook David Kempton (LNP) said locals had long been calling for such a plan as well.
“I’ve backed our community’s call for tougher action on crocodiles and now that is being delivered.”
Newly-elected MP for Hinchinbrook Wayde Chiesa (LNP) says his voters want change.
“Upgrading Tyto Wetlands to an active removal zone is the common sense approach that’s needed,” he claims.
A crocodile removed from the wild is generally rehomed in zoos or crocodile farms, according to the Queensland Department of Environment.
- In November, a large saltwater crocodile had to been relocated from Cairns to Australia Zoo on the Sunshine Coast.
The crocodile had been removed from the wild in Lakefield National Park in September due to its ‘escalating’ behaviour, blamed on it being fed by people.
For more about crocodiles, click here to visit the government’s Crocwise website.
