Katter calls for croc cull as sightings increase three-fold

A staggering increase in croc sightings has prompted calls to kill, but the state’s environment department has other ideas.

A three-fold increase in crocodile sightings across the state’s far north has prompted a renewed push for the animals to be culled amid growing fears for human safety.

The number of reported crocodile sightings has tripled this year, according to Department of Environment statistics.

In 2020 wildlife officers responded to 616 crocodile sightings and removed 38 from the wild.

So far this year the department has responded to 172 crocodile sighting reports and removed eight problem crocodiles.

Katter’s Australia Party MP Nick Dametto, whose electorate of Hinchinbrook is located north of Townsville, said there were “too many crocodiles in the ecosystem”.

Mr Dametto said there was a growing number of “negative interactions” between the animals and humans, prompting calls for action.

“Crocodiles need to be taken off the vulnerable species list by the federal government,” he said.

“We’ve long called for a crocodile cull – people who use the waterways every day will tell you there’s an increase in numbers.

“They’re trying to protect a species that doesn’t need protecting anymore.

“People want to be able to walk down the beach, or have their pets off lead without fear of a crocodile attack.”

Hinchinbrook MP Nick Dametto on private property at Plum Tree Creek at the Pinnacles, near Townsville. Picture: Evan Morgan

Federal MP Bob Katter said crocodiles were continuing to breed without management.

“Could you imagine the population of Brisbane if every mother had 50 babies per year,” he said.

Mr Dametto also called for the establishment of a dedicated North Queensland Crocodile Authority – contained within a government department or left as a stand-alone entity – to handle the issue.

“The species would be better managed by North Queenslanders … instead of Brisbane being left to make those core decisions,” he said.

A spokeswoman for the Department of Environment – the authority responsible for crocodile management – said its existing Queensland Crocodile Management Plan uses specific approaches across different locations.

“Under the plan, any crocodile that poses a threat to human safety is targeted for removal,” she said.

“The Queensland Government does not support the culling of estuarine crocodiles.

“The Queensland Government ensures public safety along rivers and beaches in croc country by resolving declared problem crocodiles promptly and safely.”

The Department of Environment’s crocodile management team includes wildlife officers based in Cairns, Innisfail, Townsville, Mackay and Rockhampton.

An extra $6m over two years was allocated in the 2019-20 budget for improved estuarine crocodile management.

The spokeswoman said an increase in sightings did not mean there was an increase in crocodile numbers.

“The Queensland Government’s QWildlife app has made reporting crocodiles much easier,” she said.

“Rainfall in coastal north Queensland means crocodiles can turn up in unexpected places.

“Crocodiles prefer calmer waters and they may move around in search of a quiet place to wait for floodwaters to recede.”

Originally published as Katter calls for croc cull as sightings increase three-fold