Crocodile removed from Rockhampton’s Fitzroy River

A super-sized saltie rangers have been trying to trap since May has been caught in the Central Queensland river where a rowing regatta was cancelled and warnings were in place. VIDEO, PHOTOS.

A 4.5m crocodile that has been targeted for removal since late May has been captured in a floating trap in Rockhampton’s Fitzroy River.

Wildlife officers set the trap in late May upstream from the barrage in the Pink Lily area.

The area of the Fitzroy where the crocodile was repeatedly sighted is on the freshwater side of the barrage and is regularly used by members of the public for watersports such as skiing and rowing.

It is believed to be the same crocodile that forced the cancellation of a recent rowing regatta and had been targeted for removal since late May by the Department of Environment and Science.

Rangers had been trying to trap the croc since May. Picture: DES

Senior Wildlife Officer Josh Morris said the crocodile was male and would be held at a DES facility before being rehomed at a farm or zoo.

Mr Morris said it was not unusual for it to take several weeks before the animals were enticed into a baited trap in winter, when they were less active.

He said in that area, which is mapped as Zone C under the Queensland Crocodile Management Plan, any crocodiles that were two metres or larger and confirmed to be present were targeted for removal from the wild.

“People need to be aware there is a population of crocodiles in the river above and below the barrage, and this successful capture does not mean the Fitzroy River is safer,” he said.

The crocodile will now be moved to a farm or zoo. Picture: DES

“Rockhampton is home to the southernmost breeding crocodile population in the world, and it is typical crocodile habitat and the animals will continue to live and breed in the Fitzroy River.

“People are responsible for their own safety in the Rockhampton region. Locals and visitors are reminded to make Crocwise choices at all times, and entering the water is an individual choice.

“The Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service would like to thank people who report crocodiles to the Department of Environment and Science.

“Your reports help wildlife officers understand where crocodiles are located along the Fitzroy River, and help us with ongoing management.”

Wildlife officers have captured a large estuarine crocodile in a floating trap upstream from the barrage in Rockhampton’s Fitzroy River. Picture: DES

Rockhampton Water Ski Club vice president Peter Darby said the club was pleased the crocodile had been removed from the river.

Mr Darby said the crocodile had caused the cancellation of a water ski event and caused subdued recreational activity in the river.

He said he wrote to all relevant members of parliament and ministers two months ago to express the concerns of river users and the greater public regarding the crocodile.

“The Member for Mirani, Stephen Andrew, was the only member of parliament to respond and did so within hours,” he said.

“I would like to thank the Member for Mirani, Mr Andrew, who has been instrumental in supporting and representing river users by asking a question in parliament and communicating directly with the Minister for Environment calling for this crocodile to be removed.

“Mr Andrew has also written to the Minister for Environment calling for an amendment to the crocodile management plan for Fitzroy River upstream of the barrage to be rezoned from a Zone C to a more extensive Zone B under which all crocodiles shall be removed.

“We are looking forward to working with the Department of Environment and Mr. Andrew regarding the proposed rezoning.

“If the management of crocodiles upstream of the barrage is more advantageous for sports, and the reputation of this river is turned around then there will be significant benefits to sports, recreation and tourism.”

The 4.5m croc on the move. Picture: DES

Members of the public are encouraged to report crocodile sightings as soon as possible.

All crocodiles that pose a threat to human safety are targeted for removal under the Queensland Crocodile Management Plan.