Far north Qld crocodile cull needed due to population and proximity to humans

There are mounting calls for a crocodile cull in the state’s far north, and a local mayor says two factors make it imperative. VOTE IN OUR POLL

Community leaders have thrown their support behind a sustainable crocodile cull, with one warning the predators were being found in unexpected areas such as cane paddocks.

Human remains were found inside a 4.2m crocodile captured near Hinchinbrook Island earlier this month after the disappearance of Cairns yachtie Andrew Heard.

And a man was lucky to survive after a crocodile bit his head while swimming at Lake Placid near Cairns in January.

Queensland LNP senator James McGrath said a sustainable cull was one way to help “make Queensland safe for Queenslanders”, while Hinchinbrook Mayor Ramon Jayo said he would back a controlled cull if research found it was required.

Environment Minister Meaghan Scanlon would not comment specifically on a cull, with a spokeswoman instead saying the Minister had been asked to review the state’s management plan.

Cr Jayo, who has found crocodiles in sedimentation ponds on his cane farm near Ingham, said the reptiles were sleeping in cane paddocks.

“I would support a controlled cull if there was research and it was done properly,” he said.

The Mayor said there were two issues: He believed the crocodiles were breeding in larger numbers, forcing the smaller reptiles outside where they’re traditionally found, and were associating boats that pull in fish as a food source because it was an easy meal.

“My concern is they’re coming closer and closer to us,” he said.

Cr Jayo, who praised department staff for their assistance with crocodiles, said something needed to be done.

A spokeswoman for Ms Scanlon said the government was currently considering the findings of a three-year crocodile monitoring program.

“All crocodile sightings are investigated and any crocodile that is a risk to human safety is removed,” she said.

Cassowary Coast Mayor Mark Nolan said he did not support a cull.

“I think it’s got to be balanced,” he said.

“Nature is what it is.”

He said in light of recent attacks, the state should review its management plan.

It is understood the Opposition does not support a cull, and is formulating a crocodile policy.

Senator McGrath said humans should be first, second and third.

“People shouldn’t be worried about being gobbled up by crocs when they are fishing or taking a walk,” he said.

“A sustainable cull is one way to help make Queensland safe for Queenslanders.”

Suspected crocodile victim Andrew Heard

Originally published as Far north Qld crocodile cull needed due to population and proximity to humans