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KAP TAKES DECISIVE ACTION TO ADDRESS CROCODILE INFESTATION IN NORTH QUEENSLAND WATERWAYS
February 20, 2025
Shane Knuth, Member for Hill, has followed through on his pre-election promise by submitting the Crocodile Control & Conservation Bill 2025 to parliament this week.
This vital legislation directly tackles the unchecked crocodile population threatening public safety in North Queensland’s most frequented swimming and recreational areas.
The Bill reflects Mr. Knuth’s unwavering commitment to protecting human life by ensuring that dangerous crocodiles are swiftly removed from populated waterways.
This legislation is crucial as crocodiles increasingly invade local swimming spots, turning once-popular areas into no-go zones.
“Far North Queenslanders are living in fear of crocodiles encroaching on their homes and recreational spaces,” said Knuth.
“I’ve received reports from locals about crocodiles floating through the recent floodwaters and entering residential properties.
Residents already dealing with the devastating effects of flooding should not have to worry about a crocodile attack as well."
This is the fifth time Mr. Knuth has introduced a Crocodile Bill to parliament, driven by ongoing community demand for action in the face of a rapidly growing crocodile population.
“I won’t stop pushing this issue until the state government finally recognizes the urgency of the problem," Knuth declared.
"It’s an insult to North Queenslanders when we’re told to be ‘croc-wise.
"We live with crocodiles every day, and we know how to stay safe, but simply putting up signs and closing beaches is not enough."
Knuth pointed out that while Southeast Queensland boasts theme parks and entertainment hubs, Far North Queensland has its pristine outdoor spaces, now increasingly unsafe due to government inaction on the crocodile crisis.
The Crocodile Control & Conservation Bill 2025 implements a Zero Tolerance policy for crocodiles in populated waterways, focusing on immediate removal of crocodiles.
Crocs will be relocated to farms and sanctuaries, or euthanized if necessary, to prevent any threat to human safety.
“This bill is about protecting human lives, plain and simple,” said Knuth.
“We’re putting people’s safety above crocodiles in our most populated waterways.
We will no longer wait for a tragic incident to happen before we take action.”
The Bill also proposes the establishment of the Queensland Crocodile Authority (QCA), a local body based in Cairns, which will take full responsibility for crocodile management across the state.
The Bill will provide economic opportunities to indigenous communities through establishment of a crocodile industry in Queensland and any landowner will be able to contact the QCA to immediately remove any crocodile on their property.
Mr. Knuth stressed the need for local control to address this growing issue, rather than relying on decisions made in Brisbane.
"We need local expertise and a direct response to a local problem. Decisions about crocodile management should be made here, where the problem is," Knuth said.
As crocodiles continue to invade popular recreational areas, Knuth is calling for urgent action from the state government.
"Enough is enough," he concluded.
Back to back governments have done nothing. It’s time to stop the excuses and start prioritizing human safety.”