July 30, 2021
Queensland Government released Queensland Estuarine Crocodile Monitoring Program 2016-2019 key findings report. The report confirmed that Queensland’s crocodile population is growing at a rate of 2.2 per cent per year.
Katter’s Australian Party has long called for improved crocodile management for the safety of North Queenslanders and has twice introduced their Safer Waterways Bill in Parliament.
According to the Department of Environment and Science, in 2010 there were 176 unconfirmed crocodile sightings, this spiked to 684 sightings in 2017.
KAP Member for Hinchinbrook Nick Dametto said we have waited two years for this report to be published and all we get an eight-page glossy document.
“The State Government has spent 5.8 million dollars on this report, North Queenslanders deserve more, he said.
“The public has been provided with a lack of information and minimal indication of strategies to better manage Queensland’s growing crocodile population.
“The report states that this was the most comprehensive crocodile population monitoring program to be carried out in Queensland for more than a decade and what we receive is more like a brochure”
“The State Government is treating North Queenslanders like a joke.”
“Isn’t it terrific that the survey showed no evidence of the distribution of crocodiles expanding southward of its range.
“I guess the problem will remain as a North Queensland issue then, keeping the South East happy.
“The success of our tourism industry is intricately linked with our tropical islands, beaches, lifestyle and marine activities. Tourists and those seeking to move to North Queensland want to feel safe.
The report confirms that the Department of Environment and Science will take a proactive approach by identifying key areas for future management efforts and critical research.
“While this continues to be a North Queensland problem the State Labor Government will continue to treat this issue with content. They’d rather tell everyone it is alright and people in the South East corner that crocodiles are still threatened species so that there continues to be a commercial value for their friends, the Irwins at Australia Zoo.