DES appeal for information on reported estuarine croc release
The state’s environmental body is investigating reports two saltwater crocodiles were “accidentally” released into a popular swimming hole in Far North Queensland. See the state-wide map of croc sightings.
Cairns
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The state’s environmental body is investigating reports two saltwater crocodiles were “accidentally” released into the Barron River, near Kuranda, in Far North Queensland.
A report was made to the Department of Environment, Science and Innovation earlier this year that two small male and female crocodiles had been released at the Big Sands swimming area in Myola.
It claimed the estuarine crocodiles were about 1m long and were released on an unknown date in March.
According to the department, the informant was unable to provide information about the identity of the people involved, and the department has not been able to confirm the report.
An anonymous post to the Koah Community Facebook page earlier this week said the crocs were released about seven weeks ago.
“Not a hoax FYI,” the post read.
“I have seen the footage on someone’s phone and the information comes from a trusted source.
“Let’s just say their frontal lobes aren’t fully matured yet and it was ‘an accident’.”
A DESI spokesman said being in possession of estuarine crocodiles and transporting the animals without a permit is an offence under the Nature Conservation Act 1992.
It has long been rumoured that crocs have been released in the Barron River above the falls however multiple surveys in recent years upstream of the Barron River Falls has failed to reveal any evidence of estuarine crocodiles, according to the department.
Wildlife officers investigate every sighting report, and estuarine crocodiles that pose a threat to human safety are targeted for removal under the Queensland Crocodile Management Plan.
Anyone with information about this incident is encouraged to report it to DESI by calling 1300 130 372 or by visiting the website.
Information can be provided anonymously.
The news comes after sweeping reform to allow Indigenous-led trophy hunting of crocodiles, culling, removal of predators from private land and the setting up of a croc management body was introduced to the state parliament earlier this week.
Under the proposed shake-up of dangerous animal management, decentralised control of crocodiles from Brisbane would mean the setting up of Queensland Crocodile Authority in Cairns.
The radical plan advocates for removal of crocodiles from populated waterways in a “zero tolerance” approach to human and croc interactions.
Hill MP Shane Knuth tabled the Crocodile Control and Conservation Bill 2024 on Wednesday.
Originally published as DES appeal for information on reported estuarine croc release
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