The Northern Territory Government's Saltwater Crocodile Management Program 2024-2034 will allow for the targeted culling of crocodiles in specified areas to ensure the safety of swimmers.
The new Program provides a clear direction for the management of the NT's saltwater crocodile population for the next 10 years.
Budget 2024 will have $800,000 allocated to crocodile management, and another $1.5 million a year ongoing from 2025-26. The funding will be directed to an enhanced crocodile removal program through building the capacity of the Crocodile Management Team.
It will also provide additional resources to Aboriginal ranger groups and develop and deploy new technologies to improve crocodile detection and monitoring.
The Program, which has been released, allows for crocodiles to be culled in areas like popular tourists swimming destinations.
This is one of a number of measures which will be put in place to manage the Northern Territory's saltwater crocodile population.
Under the Program, it is intended the full quota of 90,000 eggs be harvested and no limit to the removal of problem crocodiles.
Educating the public about the dangers of saltwater crocodiles through continuing the Croc Wise campaign will play an important part of community safety under the new Program.
During the consultation process, an opportunity was identified to enhance Aboriginal livelihoods and provide working opportunities through active participation in the crocodile industry and development of new business opportunities.
The Program is evidence based and was drafted in consultation with scientific experts, industry stakeholders, animal welfare groups and the public.
The crocodile industry is worth at least $25 million to the Territory economy and has potential for growth.
To ensure the growth of this industry, the Crocodile Farming Industry Strategic Plan 2024-33 has also been released.
View the Northern Territory Crocodile Farming Industry Strategic Plan 2024-2033 visit here
The Saltwater Crocodile Management Program 2024-34 is available here: https://becrocwise.nt.gov.au/crocodile-management/crocodile-management-program. here
Quotes attributable to Minister for the Environment, Climate Change and Water Security Kate Worden:
"The Saltwater Crocodile Management Program 2024-34 outlines how the Territory Government will approach the managing the 100,000 crocs currently in NT waterways.
"The Program will be reviewed in five years to ensure the measures put in place are delivering what stakeholders asked for during the consultation period.
"The management of crocodiles is important for public safety, that's why it is important we continue the Croc Wise campaign to educate the community about the dangers saltwater crocodiles pose."
Northern Territory Government
