Knuth warns of predators ‘ from Ingham to Rockhampton’ Crocs moving south
“MASSIVE” numbers of crocodiles are being seen from Ingham to Rockhampton, Katter’s Australian Party MP Shane Knuth says.
The Member for Hill spoke about the issue during a public briefing on Monday into the party’s proposed Safer Waterways Bill.
The Bill would make it mandatory for “rogue” crocodiles to be removed from Queensland’s populated waterways if the reptiles posed a threat to human safety.
Mr Knuth said there had been no public hearing on the Bill in Townsville but he believed it would be a good idea as part of the Innovation, Tourism Development and Environment Committee.
“With regard to consultation with Townsville, we have heard reports of crocodiles in Townsville,” he said.
“And I believe that is increasing because it is spreading down.”
Under questioning from Member for Whitsunday Jason Costigan, Mr Knuth said people were starting to get “massive amounts” of crocodile reports in Ingham through to Mackay and hampton.
“Would I like public hearings in Townsville and would I like public hearings in Mackay?’ Absolutely,” Mr Knuth said.
“If you are prepared as a committee to go to Mackay and go to Cairns and Innisfail and Tully, which are the areas where we receive most of those reported sightings, I would be happy for you to do so.”
Mr Knuth said during the March floods many crocodiles were sighted in the Ingham and Innisfail areas.
“While I have the floor, Mr Chair, I really encourage you even Rock- to have these public hearings in Ingham ( because even the mayor had one in his yard), Innisfail and in Cairns, where most of the beach closures are around Port Douglas,” he said.
The Bill plans to establish a Queensland crocodile authority, which would have the right to issue permits to relocate or kill crocodiles.
“As well as protecting human life, the Safer Waterways Bill 2018 aims to create a significant and sustainable crocodile industry in Queensland through controlled egg harvesting,” Mr Knuth said.
A report on the Bill is due on September 24.