Tyto Wetlands: Hinchinbrook politicians back proposed changes to crocodile-management laws

A North Queensland mayor welcomes proposed changes to crocodile-management laws but has issued a clear warning to tourists.

An almost 4-metre-long saltwater crocodile sunning itself on the banks of a sediment pond on the farm of Hinchinbrook Shire Mayor Ramon Jayo. Picture: Cameron Bates

The mayor of a North Queensland council in croc country welcomes proposed changes to crocodile-management laws at a popular local nature attraction but has issued a clear warning to tourists.

The Queensland Government has issued a revised draft crocodile-management plan that proposes changes to management zones and also to “rezone specific areas, including the Tyto Wetlands at Ingham”.

The tourist destination is an expansive man-made wetlands popular with birdwatchers and nature lovers.

Hinchinbrook Mayor Ramon Jayo said the number of crocodile sightings at Tyto – which borders public facilities that include the public library, a park and rugby fields – had increased.

“From our own observations, there are obviously animals in there and they’re in pretty close proximity to the walking trails.”

A saltwater crocodile, also known as an estuarine crocodile, bathing on the banks of Palm Creek just outside Ingham in North Queensland. The animal is more than four-metres long. Picture: Cameron Bates

He said the draft plan would allow the re-zoning of part of the Tyto Wetlands from a Zone E general-management zone to a Targeted crocodile removal (TCR) zone, which would allow for the removal of crocodiles larger than 2.5 metres or any problem animals.

“That’s a substantial win for the council.”

Despite the presence of multiple crocodile warning signs, a mother of two young children gets dangerously close to the waterline to photograph a Blue Water Lily flower at the Tyto Wetlands in the middle of Ingham, Hinchinbrook, in this recent photo. The expansive wetlands are popular with bird-watchers and tourists. There have been numerous reported crocodile sightings in the wetlands, home to a number of resident salties. Picture: Cameron Bates

Saltwater crocodiles, accurately named estuarine crocodiles, are endemic to Hinchinbrook, scene of a recent attack involving a “monster crocodile”.

Cr Jayo said his concern about the proposed changes to the management plan could lead to a “false sense of security” among visitors to not only Tyto, but other parts of expansive shire ahead of peak tourism season.

“The best available advice we have at the moment is to exercise our croc brain, be croc-wise, if we water that down … people may get hurt, that’s my biggest concern.”

The Department of Environment and Science has erected signs warning of a recent sighting of a saltwater crocodile in the Tyto wetlands in Ingham. Picture: Cameron Bates

Hinchinbrook MP Nick Dametto said the proposal was great news for Ingham, but “there are still many areas in the Hinchinbrook electorate and throughout North Queensland that require rezoning”.

“For example, locals have noticed an increase in crocodile sightings at Rollingstone, Forrest Beach and many other swimming areas.”

Hinchinbrook Shire Council Mayor Ramon Jayo outside Tyto on the Bruce Highway in Ingham. Picture: Cameron Bates

The KAP deputy leader said Queenslanders’ lives must take precedence over crocodiles.

“Until crocodiles are removed from all populated areas that are used for recreational and leisure activities, we will be no closer to restoring balance in our waterways.”

He urged all stakeholders to voice their concerns and recommendations on the new plan.

Public consultation on the new plan opened on Thursday and closes on 5 June.

Feedback received will be analysed by the Department of Environment, Science and Innovation before the plan is finalised and implemented later this year.

Originally published as Tyto Wetlands: Hinchinbrook politicians back proposed changes to crocodile-management laws