Co-living with crocs no game

INNISFAIL is starting to get a reputation.

First there was Lee de Paauw, the 18-year-old who jumped into the Johnstone River in an alcohol-fuelled attempt to impress a girl — and was promptly bitten by a croc.

Now there’s Shae Pasetti, who has cheekily claimed the “VB made me do it” when she posed for a photo beside an unhealthy-looking freshwater crocodile.

Ms Pasetti’s photo was quickly shared across social media yesterday, sparking division among punters.

Some didn’t see the big deal. It was “just a freshie” and she wasn’t causing the creature any harm by taking a photo next to it.

Others felt she should face charges.

The saga unfolded just one day after Environment Minister Steven Miles visited Cairns to discuss crocodile management with three FNQ mayors — including the Cassowary Coast’s John Kremastos.

The meeting came about after the three councils — Cassowary Coast, Douglas and Mareeba — were unhappy with a recent State Government crocodile management plan, ironically because they felt it did not go far enough to protect people.

But the people need to take responsibility too.

No management plan is going to completely eliminate crocodiles from our region, so as long as we live in the Far North, they’re something we need to consider.

Two people have tragically died in croc attacks in the past year.

It's not a game — they are dangerous creatures.

We can’t avoid crocs entirely but we can reduce our risk by not deliberately putting ourselves in their path. Sally Boxall