Crocodile warning signs removed across Fraser Coast, Tin Can Bay

Crocodile warning signs have been removed across the Fraser Coast and at Tin Can Bay, with no sightings of the reptiles reported in the past 12 months.

Crocodile warning at the Lamington Bridge. Crocodile warning signs across the Fraser Coast and in Tin Can Bay have been removed after surveys recently completed did not detect the reptiles in the region. Photo: Valerie Horton/ Fraser Coast Chronicle.

Crocodile warning signs across the Fraser Coast and in Tin Can Bay have been removed after surveys recently completed did not detect the reptiles in the region.

The warning signs have been removed from the Lamington Bridge vicinity in Maryborough, as well as from Granville Bridge, Petrie Park at Tiaro and the Mungar Yengarie Boat Ramp.

A further five crocodile warning signs have been removed from Tin Can Bay, Beaver Rock, Big Tuan, Poona and River Heads.

If a confirmed crocodile sighting occurs in these areas a recent crocodile sighting sign will be placed at the location to inform the community, a spokesman from the Department of Environment and Science said.

A saltwater crocodile.

“Recently completed statewide crocodile surveys did not detect crocodiles in these areas,” he said.

The signs were removed as they were inconsistent with the Queensland Crocodile Management Plan in that these areas are not typical estuarine crocodile habitat, and no routine and ongoing crocodile management activity is undertaken unless a crocodile sighting is reported.

Under the QFMP, crocodile habit is described as Queensland’s coastal areas from the Boyne River near Gladstone to the northern tip of Queensland and west to the Northern Territory border.

Crocodile warning at the Lamington Bridge. Photo: Valerie Horton/ Fraser Coast Chronicle.

Areas south of the Boyne River, such as the Fraser Coast region, are designated Zone F, meaning the presence of a crocodile is generally unlikely, but may still be possible.

There have been no reported crocodile sightings in the Fraser Coast region over the past 12 months.

If any member of the public sees a crocodile in the Fraser Coast region, it should be reported without delay to the Department of Environment and Science by calling 1300 130 372 or reporting the sighting online.

DES investigates all crocodile sighting reports it receives and any confirmed crocodile in Zone F is targeted for capture and removal.