Newsroom

August 21, 2024

State Member for Hill, Shane Knuth, today introduced the KAP’s Crocodile Control, Conservation, and Safety Bill 2024 into Parliament, taking a no-nonsense stand against the escalating crocodile threat in North Queensland.
The Bill is a response to constant calls from North Queensland communities and places a premium on human life by implementing aggressive measures to mitigate the risks to human life posed by the increasing crocodile population.

The bill implements a Zero Tolerance policy for any crocodile found in populated waterways, demanding immediate action to either relocate or, if necessary, eliminate the threat.

“We’re done with half-measures. This bill is about saving lives, plain and simple,” Mr. Knuth declared.

“The idea that we have to wait for a crocodile to exhibit ‘dangerous behavior’ before doing something is beyond absurd.

ANY crocodile in a populated area is a ticking time bomb, and it needs to be removed—end of story.”

Knuth didn’t mince words when highlighting the shocking data from the Queensland Department of Environment, Science, and Innovation.

“In 2023, there were 1,216 crocodile sightings—up from a mere 176 in 2010. And in the last five months we’ve seen three terrible, fatal croc attacks in our northern waters.

This is a crisis, and it’s destroying our way of life.”

The exploding crocodile population isn’t just a threat to lives; it’s affecting North Queensland’s economy.

“Our tourism industry is struggling to market our stunning beaches and waterways, only for visitors to be greeted by croc warning signs and beach closures.

What kind of message is that? Swim here and you might get ripped to pieces?”

The KAP Bill doesn’t stop at just protecting lives—it empowers Indigenous landholders, recognizing their unparalleled connection to the land.

The bill grants them the power to manage crocodiles on their land, be it through relocation, culling, or capitalizing on economic opportunities like egg harvesting and bringing in high-end paying clients to hunt crocodiles.

“This isn’t just about crocodile management—it’s about creating real economic opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities,” Knuth said.

“Jobs, development, and a say in how crocodiles on their land are managed.”

Knuth also added the bill will allow private landholders to contact the Crocodile Authority to have crocodiles immediately removed from their property.

The Queensland Crocodile Authority (QCA) will be established in Cairns to oversee the new measures.
“With nearly 80% of Queensland's crocodile population in the Far North, it’s time we took control of our destiny and stopped letting Brisbane call the shots,” Knuth added.

Hinchinbrook MP and KAP Deputy Leader Nick Dametto echoed Knuth’s frustration with the Brisbane-centric government.

“The people of North Queensland are sick and tired of being told to ‘live with it.’ This bill is about taking back our waterways.”

Traeger MP and KAP Leader Robbie Katter didn’t hold back, calling out the cultural disconnect between North Queensland and the far-off bureaucrats in Brisbane.

“The KAP is the voice of common sense and reality for North Queensland.

We know our land, our people, and our crocodiles—and we’re not going to let Brisbane’s ignorance continually put us and visitors to the region in danger.”

“I want to point out that KAP’s policy has never been about wiping out the crocodile population. We love crocodiles but unfortunately, they love us a bit too much,” Katter concluded.