Government still undecided on populated area crocodile cull nine months after first proposed

A proposal to remove a “modest” amount of larger crocodiles from Queensland’s populated east coast is still under review nine months after the idea was floated.

A push from an independent panel to remove 2.4m-plus crocodiles from populated areas is still being considered by the state government more than nine months after the idea was publicly floated. Picture: Yvonne Palmer

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A push from an independent panel to remove 2.4m-plus crocodiles from populated areas is still being considered by the state government more than nine months after the idea was publicly floated.

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

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

The report recommended the government consider the annual removal of a “modest” number of 2.4m-plus crocodiles on Queensland’s populated east coast for several years, in addition to problem crocodile removal under existing management plans.

North Queensland woman Yvonne Palmer filmed a “monster” saltwater crocodile devouring a shark on the Cardwell foreshore in February 2021. Picture: Supplied

“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.”

While the state government said it supported the recommendation, it is still yet to decide if it will go ahead with the measure more than nine months after the report was publicly released.

A DES spokesman said many 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,” he 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.”

There are fears Kevin Darmody of Laura was taken by a saltwater crocodile on Saturday. Picture: Facebook

The spokesman said the department had also consulted the International Union for Conservation of Nature’s crocodile specialist group.

“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,” he said.

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

Kevin Darmody, 65, a publican at the Peninsula Hotel in the small town of Laura in Far North Queensland, disappeared about 3.30pm Saturday from the Kennedy Bend section of Lakefield National Park, about 140km west of Cooktown and 340km northwest of Cairns.

It is feared Mr Darmody was taken by an estuarine crocodile.

Authorities on Tuesday told media two crocodiles believed to have been involved in Mr Darmody’s disappearance had been euthanised.

Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said not respond to questions regarding whether the state government would support culling, when asked on Monday.