New Palmerston headquarters boosts crocodile response capability to protect locals and visitors.Rangers removed 167 crocodiles this year alone, including a 4.9-metre giant.Finocchiaro CLP Government backing frontline rangers, public safety and Territory parks.
The Finocchiaro CLP Government has marked World Crocodile Day with the opening of a new "Croc Squad" headquarters in Palmerston for the rangers who keep the Territory's waterways safe for locals and visitors.
Parks and Wildlife rangers removed 240 crocodiles across the Territory, including 199 from designated crocodile management zones and 41 from outside those areas, between 1 July 2025 and 31 May 2026. 167 of those were caught in 2026 alone.
Among the reptiles to be moved on by the NT Croc Squad was a 4.9m-long giant saltwater croc retrieved from a creek near the lower pool of popular Wangi Falls in Litchfield National Park.
Minister for Parks and Wildlife Marie-Clare Boothby said the new headquarters would give the NT Parks and Wildlife crocodile management team better facilities to carry out their vital work.
"The Territory is croc country, and people rightly expect strong, visible action to keep popular waterways and recreational areas safe," Minister Boothby said.
"The Northern Territory is home to an estimated 100,000 crocodiles and a crocodile industry worth over $150 million annually.
"Our Parks and Wildlife rangers are on the frontline every day, protecting Territorians, supporting visitors and helping us safely coexist with one of the world's most iconic predators.
"After more than 20 years in their previous location, our crocodile management team now has a purpose-built headquarters that gives them the space, equipment and operational capability they need to continue their vital work."
The new facility will serve as the operational hub for the crocodile management team, strengthening their ability to coordinate field operations, respond quickly to incidents, monitor waterways, and deliver crocodile safety education across the region.
Minister Boothby said the CLP Government was delivering on its commitment to practical crocodile management, supporting both public safety and the Territory's world-leading crocodile industry.
"We need a strong, well-resourced crocodile management program, and that's exactly what we're delivering.
"Our rangers are out there every day monitoring waterways, removing problem crocodiles and educating the community about how to stay croc wise."
The Government is also delivering a $10 million parks infrastructure upgrade program, improving barbecues, bathrooms, walking trails, access tracks, and visitor facilities across the Territory's parks estate.
"Our parks are a cornerstone of the Territory lifestyle and a major drawcard for visitors from around Australia and the world," Minister Boothby said.
"We're investing to make them better, safer and more accessible, while supporting the rangers who work tirelessly to protect them. For too long under the former Labor Government, parks and crocodile management were not a priority. We've changed that.
"This is about backing our rangers, backing our parks and delivering growth, certainty and security so Territorians and visitors can enjoy the Territory safely and confidently."
