Katter Australian Party’s crocodile culling plan rejected again

A Katter MP has lashed out over a committee’s decision to vote against crocodile culling in Queensland for a second time. HAVE YOUR SAY

A Katter MP has lashed out at a parliamentary committee after it urged that proposed legislation based around crocodile culling be rejected, recommending instead real-time data and increased signage in tourist hotspots such as Airlie Beach.

A committee has consulted with Indigenous groups, crocodile experts, scientists and councils along the coastline since February over crocodile conservation legislation proposed by Hill MP Shane Knuth.

But on Friday it tabled a report and findings into its investigations.

Its first recommendation was that the bill not be passed by the Queensland Parliament.

“The evidence heard by the committee does not support the conclusion that Queensland’s crocodile population has significantly increased nor that there has been any increase in the rate of fatal crocodile attacks,” the committee ruled.

It said an increase of reported crocodile sightings would likely be linked to the Department of Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation’s QWildlife App.

And it could have led to reportings of the same crocodile.

Queensland saltwater crocodile population figures averaged 1.7 crocodiles for each kilometre of Queensland coastline.

But that figure was much lower at one crocodile per five kilometres of Rockhampton’s Fitzroy River – where the Olympics rowing event is set to be staged in 2032.

The parliamentary report found there had been 16 Queensland fatalities caused by crocodiles within the last 40 years, while it noted far more deaths were caused by accidental falling, drowning, dogs, and even sharks.

KAP Member Shane Knuth during a media conference at Parliament House, Brisbane. Picture: Liam Kidston

The committee instead recommended permanent signage placed at North Queensland boat ramps and areas with high tourism such as Airlie Beach, and the release of real-time reporting data of crocodile sightings and removals.

But Mr Knuth said the committee members lived south of Rockhampton and were unaware of the daily realities of living near crocodile infested waterways.

He said the bill pushed for “zero tolerance” of crocodiles within popular waterways, and giving relief to concerned farmers fearing they were moving further inland onto their properties.

Crocodile warning sign on beach at Cardwell with Jetty in the background. Cardwell North Queensland, Australia Photo – Alamy Escape

“They (the committee) do not have the intestinal fortitude to take action and do something positive in reducing the threat of crocodiles in the north,” Mr Knuth said.

“It is disgraceful that the best that they can offer is to put up more croc signs and more croc awareness, when the problem is the infestation of crocs in our waterways.

“However, when the tourists arrive, all that they see is croc signs, and tourists ask, ‘can we swim in this beautiful water?’ only to be told that they’ll be ripped to pieces.”

The hearings investigating the bill have been filled with colourful quotes, including from the father of legendary croc activist Steve Irwin, Bob.

A large estuarine crocodil captured in a baited trap near the Dungeness Creek boat ramp at Lucinda in north Queensland. Picture: Supplied

He referred to KAP maverick Bob Katter as a “d– khead” for his pro-crocodile culling stance, in passing to the Courier Mail.

Crocodile researcher Charlie Manolis said the only way to remove crocodiles from Queensland waterways was to “put up a fence between the Northern Territory and Queensland.”

“Put up another fence between Papua New Guinea and us to stop them coming down, and then you will be able to guarantee safety,” he said.

Originally published as Katter Australian Party’s crocodile culling plan rejected again