More crocodiles to be removed from North Queensland under new management plan

Queensland has expanded crocodile removal zones and increased patrols in North Queensland wetlands following community demands for stronger action against dangerous encounters.

Department of Environment, Science and Innovation (DESI) wildlife officers captured a 3.6-metre saltwater crocodile at Cattle Creek on the Bruce Highway between Townsville and Ingham overnight Friday in what has been an action-packed month for hard-working wildlife officers in North Queensland. Picture: Cameron Bates

More crocodiles will be removed from wetlands in North Queensland after the state government overhauled how wildlife authorities respond to sightings.

The new Queensland Crocodile Management Plan will expand removal zones and increase patrols in “high-risk areas” in a bid to avoid incidents between humans and the ornery reptiles.

Under the new scheme, the Tyto Wetlands in Ingham will be upgraded to an active removal zone with the Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service equipped to take “proactive patrols” and remove crocodiles that are encountered.

Minister for the Environment and Tourism Andrew Powell said the revisions to the plan were made after direct consultation with regional communities, including residents in Ingham and the wider North Queensland community.

“Queenslanders asked for change, and we’ve delivered,” Mr Powell said.

“The new crocodile management plan strikes the right balance - protecting communities while conserving one of our most iconic species.

“This is a world-class approach built on science, expert advice, and what matters most - listening to Queenslanders.”

The issue has been continuously politically litigated in Queensland parliament, with Katters Australian Party previously introducing a private member’s bill that would allow for crocodile culling and “zero-tolerance zones” in populated areas.

Department of Environment, Science and Innovation (DESI) wildlife officers captured a 3.6-metre saltwater crocodile at Cattle Creek on the Bruce Highway between Townsville and Ingham.. Picture: Cameron Bates

The Queensland Crocodile Management Plan stipulates that are six zones, A - F, based on the habitat in areas of crocodile country which determines whether the animals are immediately removed and relocated.

In May of 2025, a 3.4m saltwater crocodile was captured in the Tyto Wetlands after multiple sightings were reported to authorities, while the previous year an immense 3.6m saltie dubbed ‘Blackie’ because of it’s distinctive tail colour was removed from Cattle Creek, near Ingham, after attacking Yabulu fisherman Stephen Wood.

Mr Wood, an experienced fisherman raised in Hinchinbrook, narrowly escape with his life after the saltie lunged out of the water and snapped at his knee.

Newly sworn-in Hinchinbrook member Wayde Chiesa said he was proud to have a say in the changes.

“The people of Hinchinbrook voted for change, and I am proud to deliver it in my first week as local Member,” Mr Chiesa said.

“Hinchinbrook now has a seat at the government table and work has already begun to deliver the fresh start we promised – starting with a new crocodile management plan that puts the safety of people first in Ingham.

“Upgrading Tyto Wetlands to an Active Removal Zone is the commonsense approach that’s needed and has been lacking for far too long under the former Government.”

Originally published as More crocodiles to be removed from North Queensland under new management plan