Concern as crocs advance
Cairns on alert as reptiles stake territory
Queensland crocodile sightings have soared by more than 38 per cent with reports they are expanding their territory into areas traditionally thought to be croc free. The management of the state’s crocodile population is shaping up to be an election issue with 477 croc sightings reported to the Environment Department so far this year.
QUEENSLAND crocodile sightings have soared by more than 38 per cent with reports the reptiles are expanding their territory into areas thought to be croc-free.
Crocodile management is shaping as a major election issue, with 477 crocodile sightings reported to the environment department this year, a big jump from 345 in the same period in 2015.
Fishing Port Douglas owner Lynton Heffer, who has been fishing in the north for 22 years, said crocodile behaviour had changed. “I don’t think they’re scared of human activity any more and they’re encroaching on areas they haven’t been in the past,” he said.
Ian Jenkins, who owns Snakes Downunder Reptile Park and Zoo near Childers, said the crocodile population was spreading out across the North.
“I think crocs are looking to expand their territory so they are moving further afield and moving into areas they’re not traditionally known to be,” he said.
Both Mr Jenkins and Mr Heffer were sceptical of calls for a cull, saying it would create complacency and would never guarantee safety.
The Cairns region has topped croc sightings this year with 108 reports, followed by the Cassowary Coast (66), Townsville region (61) and Douglas shire (50).
Brenton Gangemi, who runs Snapping Tours on the Johnstone River at Innisfail, said he generally saw four to five crocodiles on each tour.
“I don’t necessarily think there’s an increase in crocodile numbers but there are certainly more people around to see them,” he said. “There are always going to be crocodiles so people just need to be vigilant.
“Even if you cull the crocs, you’ve still got bull sharks and stingers to contend with.”
Mount Isa MP Robbie Katter is leading the push to introduce culls and legalise the harvesting of crocodile eggs. “It appears the crocs are not only growing in numbers but everyone here would agree they’re much bolder and not scared of human presence,” he said.
Opposition environment spokesman Christian Rowan said problem crocodiles would be shot on sight under the LNP’s proposed crocodile management policy.
The State Government has ordered a $2.7 million, threeyear population survey and monitoring program to track croc numbers.
Environment Minister Steven Miles said targeted crocodile operations had doubled under Labor.
“We have made the wildlife officers, who do a very difficult and sometimes unsafe job, permanent,” he said. “They were temporary officers under the (previous LNP government).”
An EHP spokesman said that increased sightings were not necessarily due to a population increase and could be attributed to multiple sightings of one animal or could be a case of mistaken identity.