Start culling numbers now: Katter

A push from an independent panel to remove crocodiles of 2.4m or more from populated areas is still being considered by the Palaszczuk government more than nine months after it was recommended.

A committee of experts had been tasked to review and evaluate the effectiveness of the Department of Environment and Science estuarine crocodile management program.

A suspected crocodile attack in Far North Queensland triggered renewed calls from Katter’s Australian Party for the state government to start culling crocodile numbers.

The report recommended annual removal of a “modest” number of crocodiles 2.4m-plus on the populated East Coast for several years, in addition to problem crocodile removal under current management plans.

“The number taken each year should be based on population modelling,” the report read.

“This trial, to constrain population growth and reduce overall numbers locally is a form of adaptive management that could deliver improved crocodile management outcomes and new knowledge,” the report said.

While the state government said that it supported the recommendation, more than nine months after it was released in July 2022, it was yet to act.

A Department of Environment and Science spokesman said that some of the recommendations were in the process of being finalised or had been completed.

“Some recommendations were to be considered on the basis of further scientific research and consultation with stakeholders,” the spokesman said.

“As is the case with any robust scientific research, this process takes time considering the substantial amount of information to be gathered and analysed.

“This however is already happening, with the first scientific report now complete and the department working with the IUCN’s crocodile specialist group to peer-review its work.

“Once that work is done, the department will work with stakeholders, including the Crocodile Roundtable to consider the recommendations in light of the science.”