- Crisafulli Government delivers first major update to crocodile management in Queensland for almost a decade.
- Community safety the focus of new plan, with increased patrols and expansion of removal zones.
- Plan developed after listening to communities in the Far North, North and Central regions.
- Plan is a commonsense approach to crocodile management, after Labor's decade of decline.
The Crisafulli Government is delivering the first major update to crocodile management in Queensland for almost a decade, with a new plan firmly focused on prioritising public safety.
The Crisafulli Government's new Queensland Crocodile Management Plan puts human safety first and was developed with feedback from communities in North and Far North Queensland, including Ingham, Mulgrave and Mareeba.
The Plan will deliver increased action on crocodile management including more patrols in high-risk areas and an expansion of removal zones.
The evidence-based strategy is a key example of the Crisafulli Government listening to locals and was also shaped by expert recommendations and extensive scientific research.
Key changes include:
Tyto Wetlands in Ingham to be upgraded to an Active Removal Zone with the Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service to undertake proactive patrols of this area and any crocodile found to be removed.
Three high-use recreation waterholes on the Mulgrave River upstream of Gordonvale to be upgraded to Targeted Crocodile Removal Zones, with crocodiles larger than two metres long and all crocodiles displaying dangerous behaviour to be targeted for removal.
Barron River near Mareeba will be upgraded to a Reportable Removal Zone, with any crocodile reported by the public to be targeted for removal.
The Southedge Dam near Mareeba will be upgraded to a Reportable Removal Zone, with any crocodile reported and found to be removed.
Regional communities will continue to be consulted on the Plan, with a designated four-week annual consultation period and updates to be made on a rolling basis.
A mandatory review will be conducted every five years to ensure the plan continues to reflect the needs of the communities it impacts, after the former Labor Government failed to maintain the previous plan.
The Crisafulli Government will continue to remove crocodiles from the wild posing a threat to public safety.
Minister for the Environment and Tourism Andrew Powell said the Crisafulli Government had delivered on its promise to prioritise public safety.
"We're delivering a commonsense plan which restores community safety as the priority," Minister Powell said.
"This is a world-class approach built on science, expert advice, and what matters most - listening to Queenslanders.
"More patrols and expansion of removal areas will prioritise safety and strike the balance needed for crocodile management in Queensland."
Member for Mulgrave Terry James said the Mulgrave community had been desperate for a plan that put people first.
"These are popular waterholes where locals like to swim and our plan is making them safer," Mr James said.
"After a decade of being ignored by Labor, Far North Queenslanders finally have a Government that is delivering for them."
Member for Cook David Kempton said locals had long been calling for a management plan that reflected the needs of their community.
"After Labor's decade of do-nothing decline, the Crisafulli Government is delivering on our promise to put human safety first," Mr Kempton said.
"I've backed our community's call for tougher action on crocodiles and now that is being delivered."
Member for Hinchinbrook Wayde Chiesa said the people of his electorate voted for change, and he was proud to deliver it in his first week as local Member.
"Hinchinbrook now has a seat at the government table and work has already begun to deliver the fresh start we promised – starting with a new crocodile management plan that puts the safety of people first in Ingham," Mr Chiesa said.
"Upgrading Tyto Wetlands to an Active Removal Zone is the commonsense approach that's needed and has been lacking for far too long under the former Government."
