The Queensland Government is delivering the state’s first major update to crocodile management for almost a decade, with a new plan firmly focused on prioritising public safety.
The Government says the new Queensland Crocodile Management Plan puts human safety first and was developed with feedback from communities in North and Far North Queensland, including Ingham, Mulgrave and Mareeba.
The Plan will deliver increased action on crocodile management including more patrols in high-risk areas and an expansion of removal zones.
“We’re delivering a commonsense plan which restores community safety as the priority,” said Minister for the Environment and Tourism, Andrew Powell.
“This is a world-class approach built on science, expert advice, and what matters most – listening to Queenslanders.
“More patrols and expansion of removal areas will prioritise safety and strike the balance needed for crocodile management in Queensland.”
Key changes include:
- Tyto Wetlands in Ingham to be upgraded to an Active Removal Zone with the Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service to undertake proactive patrols of this area and any crocodile found to be removed.
- Three high-use recreation waterholes on the Mulgrave River upstream of Gordonvale to be upgraded to Targeted Crocodile Removal Zones, with crocodiles larger than two metres long and all crocodiles displaying dangerous behaviour to be targeted for removal.
- Barron River near Mareeba will be upgraded to a Reportable Removal Zone, with any crocodile reported by the public to be targeted for removal.
- The Southedge Dam near Mareeba will be upgraded to a Reportable Removal Zone, with any crocodile reported and found to be removed.
The Government says regional communities will continue to be consulted on the Plan, with a designated four-week annual consultation period and updates to be made on a rolling basis.
A mandatory review will be conducted every five years to ensure the plan continues to reflect the needs of the communities it impacts, after the former Labor Government failed to maintain the previous plan.
Member for Mulgrave, Terry James said the Mulgrave community had been desperate for a plan that “put people first”.
“These are popular waterholes where locals like to swim and our plan is making them safer,” Mr James said.
“After a decade of being ignored by Labor, Far North Queenslanders finally have a Government that is delivering for them.”
