Officers monitor Inskip after croc sighting

It follows several other reports earlier this year in the Big Tuan Creek north of Gympie, and at Snapper Creek, at Tin Can Bay back in January.

ENVIRONMENT and Science Department wildlife officers are monitoring the waters around Bullock Point on the Inskip Peninsula after a report of an estuarine crocodile there 10 days ago.

The croc was reported on August 4. It follows several other reports earlier this year in the Big Tuan Creek north of Gympie, and at Snapper Creek, at Tin Can Bay back in January.

The new-look Bullock Point, where a crocodile was allegedly spotted on August 4.

In February of this year, a Gympie kayaker thought he saw a crocodile near the weir at Kidd Bridge.

Wildlife officers conducted site assessments after that report but found nothing.

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All reported crocodile sightings are investigated by the department.

"Crocodiles that pose a threat to human safety are targeted for removal under the Queensland Crocodile Management Plan," a spokesman said.

The new $2.1 million Bullock Point boat ramp. Picture: Transport and Main Roads

The Gympie region is within Zone F of the Queensland Crocodile Management. It is considered an atypical habitat zone as it is an area outside the normal extent for crocodiles.

"Zone F includes all waterways south of the Boyne River," she said.

Bullock Point before the major revamp. Picture: Craig Warhurst

"Any crocodile found in Zone F is automatically targeted for removal, regardless of size or behaviour."

Members of the public can report crocodile sightings by calling 1300 130 372.

In Queensland, the estuarine crocodile is spread across both latitudinal and longitudinal gradients around the coastline, from Gladstone on the east coast, through to Cape York Peninsula, and throughout the Gulf of Carpentaria to the Northern Territory border.

Tom Daunt and Rowan Schindler hunt for the Mary River crocodile to no avail. Picture: Jacob Carson

However, individuals are less frequently seen south of Gladstone in the Mary River and the Great Sandy Strait.

Estuarine crocodiles can occur over 100km inland, but are most commonly found in Queensland at elevations of less than about 20m above sea level in tidal reaches of rivers, freshwater lagoons, rivers, and swamps and along beaches throughout their range.

They are not uncommon on offshore islands of the Great Barrier Reef and Torres Strait.

Rangers have regularly sighted the Mary River crocodiles closer to Maryborough. Picture: Contributed