New crocodile removal rules for North Queensland
Tough removal rules are part of a new crocodile management plan for key regions across Queensland.
A new state government Queensland Crocodile Management Plan has been released addressing concerns from North and Far North Queensland communities, including Ingham, Mulgrave and Mareeba.
In releasing the plan, the state government said it was designed to put human safety first by increasing action in crocodile management with more patrols in high-risk areas and an expansion of removal zones.
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,” James said.
He said the plan would be a live document where it must be upgraded every five years meaning locals could contribute on an annual basis in a four week consultation.
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“There was a crocodile sighting back in 2023 in the Ross and Locke area of a 2.3 metre crocodile. Now that area has since been upgraded to a Zone C, which is Targeted Removal,” James said.
” A lot of people are going to the Mulgrave River, the Ross and Locke area, the Peach Bridge area, the little Mulgrave area and Greenbatch area looking for swimming, you know so we have to be vigilant and ensure that the crocodile management plan meets those demands.”
Using an evidence based strategy, the government said the plan had been shaped by expert recommendations and extensive scientific research.
Environment and Tourism Minister Andrew Powell said the government wanted to prioritise public safety.
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“This is a world-class approach built on science, expert advice, and what matters most – listening to Queenslanders,” Powell said.
“More patrols and expansion of removal areas will prioritise safety and strike the balance needed for crocodile management in Queensland.”
Key changes include upgrading the Tyto Wetlands in Ingham to an Active Removal Zone with Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS) undertaking proactive patrols on the area and removing any crocodiles found.
Three high-use recreation waterholes on the Mulgrave River upstream of Gordonvale will be upgraded to Targeted Crocodile Removal Zones, meaning any croc larger than two metres long and those displaying dangerous behaviour will be targeted for removal.
The Barron River and the Southedge Dam near Mareeba will also be upgraded to a Reportable Removal Zone, where any crocodile reported by the public will be targeted for removal.
A mandatory review will be conducted every five years to ensure the plan continued to reflect the needs of local communities.
Member for Cook David Kempton said locals had long been calling for a management plan that reflected the needs of the community.
“I’ve backed our community’s call for tougher action on crocodiles and now that is being delivered,” he said.
Member for Hinchinbrook Wayde Chiesa said: “Upgrading Tyto Wetlands to an Active Removal Zone is the commonsense approach.”
