Queensland’s refusal to take meaningful action on the exploding crocodile population is no longer just a public safety issue, it is rapidly becoming an international embarrassment that could cost Rockhampton an opportunity to host Olympic rowing events in 2032.
Member for Hill Shane Knuth said successive Labor and LNP Governments had ignored repeated warnings from regional Queenslanders for more than a decade, despite continually putting practical solutions before Parliament.
“I have introduced consecutive Private Members’ Bills to overhaul crocodile management after years of campaigning for action.
This would have introduced a zero-tolerance policy for crocodiles and allowed active culling programs in populated waterways where human safety must come first.
For over ten years we’ve been warning governments that if they continued to ignore crocodile numbers, eventually it would damage tourism, recreation and Queensland’s international reputation,” Mr Knuth said.
“That warning is now staring this Government in the face.”
Mr Knuth said he would love to see the Olympic rowing being held in Rockhampton.
“It’s great for the region and it’s not Rocky’s fault this situation has occurred.
The fault sits squarely at the feet of the state government who stated recently in a committee report we don’t have a crocodile problem; we have a people problem.
Imagine the humiliation if Rockhampton lost an Olympic event because the government lacked the courage to manage a problem they were warned about years ago.”
Mr Knuth said the KAP had consistently led the debate while both major parties buried their heads and had repeatedly ignored practical solutions while crocodile numbers continued to explode throughout the north.
“North Queenslanders have been screaming for action for decades.”
We have some of the most spectacular beaches, rivers and pristine waterways anywhere in the world.
They are a major drawcard for international visitors, yet governments have allowed fear of crocodile attacks to steadily erode the lifestyle and tourism advantage that makes our region unique.
The greatest tragedy is that today’s kids are growing up without enjoying the waterways that many of us took for granted.
My generation spent countless days swimming in creeks, fishing rivers and enjoying our beaches.
Today’s parents have to think twice before letting their kids do exactly the same thing.
This is a disgrace. Politicians in today’s era lack the intestinal fortitude to take meaningful action on sensitive issues such as crocodile control.”
Mr Knuth said Queensland desperately needed to abandon its weak crocodile management plan and replace it with a plan that puts people’s lives first before predator.
“Our legislation has never sought to wipe out crocodiles.
It only sought to actively remove them from populated waterways where families swim, fish, boat and work.
That is simply common sense.”
Mr Knuth also criticised regional Government MPs for remaining silent on crocodiles, despite northern councils calling for action.
“Many of the same regional MPs who have barely uttered a word about crocodile management also sat silently while North Queensland lost a parliamentary seat to Southeast Queensland.
Every time regional representation is diminished, it becomes harder for issues like crocodile management to receive the attention it deserves.”
Mr Knuth said the warning signs could not be ignored any longer.
“The KAP warned governments over a decade ago that failing to act would eventually hurt regional Queensland.
We warned it would threaten public safety and tourism.
And now Queensland risks the international embarrassment of having questions asked about whether Olympic athletes can safely compete in our waterways.
How many more warnings do governments need before they finally admit the current crocodile management plan has failed?
The real crocodiles in Queensland aren’t swimming in our rivers. They are in our parliament where the governments political cowardice has allowed this problem to grow unchecked for decades.”