Rejected crocodile control bill sparks war of wars: Kempton v Knuth

A bitter political row has erupted between two Qld MPs over claims of trophy hunting crocs, failing to consult communities and toeing party lines.

A Far North MP who says crocodiles were posing a “specific” problem in his electorate has welcomed the rejection of a bill attempting to cull the predators.

Cook MP David Kempton welcomed a recommendation that Hill MP Shane Knuth’s Crocodile Control and Conservation Bill not be passed, arguing against the now rejected legislation’s encouragement of trophy hunting.

But Mr Knuth said he was “baffled” by his northern electoral neighbour’s assessment of the proposal.

Mr Kempton said salties, which were not native to Mareeba, were being found in popular swimming holes and creeks, as well as dams and channels – posing a significant risk to humans and livestock.

Barron River MP Bree James and Cook MP David Kempton below the Barron River Bridge. Mr Kempton said he supports the removal of crocs from within the Mareeba Shire, which included parts of the Barron River.

He said he supported changes to regulations which would allow weapons licensed landholders, with conditions, to remove crocodiles – an element of Mr Knuth’s bill, but could not back the legislation in its entirety.

“The problem with Katter’s Bill, as I see it, is by simply reducing the population of animals by culling does not solve the problem in the Mareeba district where crocodiles need to be removed not reduced in numbers,” he said.

“The concept of trophy hunting a protected native animal, which is an iconic apex predator, as a control method is unworkable.

“Quite apart from the fact that (the) Katter (Party MP) does not appear to have consulted with Indigenous leaders about the hunting of a totem species, trophy hunting as a means of removing problem crocodiles faces many challenges.

Cook MP David Kempton says he has questions about trophy hunting saltwater crocs. Picture: NewsWire Handout

“How is a trophy crocodile identified, who issues the licence, which traditional owner groups are allowed to hunt and where, who gets the proceeds?

“The thought of a big game hunter marching down Four Mile beach at Port Douglas in khaki pants with a high-powered rifle is not exactly the tourist experience we seek to promote.”

Mr Knuth hit back stating Mr Kempton’s comments about gamer hunters at Port Douglas were “delusional”.

“The bill only allowed for the Queensland Crocodile Authority to authorise a set quota for Indigenous landowners to bring in high paying clients to harvest selected crocodiles for economic benefit to indigenous communities,” Mr Knuth said.

Hill MP Shane Knuth says he was baffled by the Member for Cook’s claims about trophy hunting crocs. Picture: NewsWire / Glenn Campbell

“A far cry from the free-for-all shooting sessions in tourism areas the Member for Cook has implied.”

Mr Knuth claimed the Member for Cook was “toeing the party line”.

“It’s further baffling the Member for Cook admitting crocodiles are ‘found in popular swimming holes and pose a significant risk to humans and livestock.’

“He also states that numbers need to be reduced, yet he’s completely ruled out culling which is not only contradictory, but reveals he is not engaged with his electorate, and instead has opted to toe the party line.”

Originally published as Rejected crocodile control bill sparks war of wars: Kempton v Knuth