Rockhampton butcher spots crocodile swimming in Fitzroy River

Central Queensland locals are seeing more big crocs in the beach and river, including a father and daughter who spotted one leisurely swimming near a popular pool and park. So why are we seeing more? VIDEO.

A crocodile has been snapped swimming in the Fitzroy River after he was spotted by a Rockhampton butcher and his young daughter while they were out enjoying an afternoon bike ride at the weekend.

Allenstown Square Meats butcher Micheal Moore was out riding his bike with his five-year-old daughter on Sunday afternoon in Wandal when he saw a crocodile more than 3m in length swimming the Fitzroy River near Alexandra Railway Bridge.

Mr Moore said the crocodile was swimming towards the Neville Hewitt Bridge.

“I had seen it on Facebook a few times and was keeping an eye out,” he said.

Allenstown Square Meats butcher Micheal Moore. Picture: Aden Stokes

“I saw him coming up the river and waited for him.

“He came straight underneath us.

“He was a nice big fella.”

Mr Moore said this wasn’t the first time he had seen a crocodile in the Fitzroy River, spotting one when he was younger “up past the second meatworks”.

The DES crocodile sightings dashboard showing a crocodile sighting in the Fitzroy River in Rockhampton under investigation.

Multiple reports of large crocodile sightings

A recent crocodile sighting on January 25 in the Fitzroy River off Sir Raymond Huish Dr, Wandal, was listed as under investigation on the Department of Environment, Science and Innovation (DES) crocodile sightings dashboard on Monday morning.

A DES spokesperson said the department had received multiple reports of large crocodile sightings in this stretch of the Fitzroy River over the last few months.

“Wildlife Officers have undertaken an assessment of all crocodile sighting reports received,” the spokesperson said.

“Warning signs have been installed and wildlife officers have engaged in media opportunities to spread awareness of sightings and crocodile movements over their breeding season and as conditions in the river change.”

Crocodile sighted in the Fitzroy River on January 28, 2024. Picture: Pam McKay

‘They haven’t been chased, pushed or shot at for a few decades’

Koorana Crocodile Farm general manager John Lever said he heard about the crocodile sighting in that area of the Fitzroy River and that it was “normal range for the crocodiles there”.

“We have had a bit of rain lately,” he said.

“If he is in the saltwater he will be looking for fresh supply.

“If there is any water coming through or over the barrage they would be attracted to that.”

Koorana Crocodile Farm’s John Lever.

Mr Lever said he thinks the crocodiles were getting “a lot less timid”.

“They haven’t been chased, pushed or shot at for a few decades now and they are getting a lot less timid and are prepared to swim along the top of the water so people see them,” he said.

“People are much more aware and on the lookout for crocs too.

“Generally speaking, there’s probably not that many more crocs in the river, it’s just they’re more visible.”

Breeding season

According to the DES, crocodile sightings were more common during the breeding season between October to April.

The DES spokesperson said an increase in crocodile sightings did not mean more crocodiles.

“Increases in sighting reports could be a combination of many factors, including that it is easier to report crocodiles, an increased awareness of reporting crocodile sightings, multiple sightings of the same crocodile, more people being aware of the presence of crocodiles and therefore looking for them, an interest on social media and an increase of people using the waterways,” the spokesperson said.

“ The department encourages all members of the public to report crocodile sightings on the QWildlife app or call it through on 1300 130 372.”