Queensland croc management, more about controlling people

7 March 2024

The State Labor Government has again proven how disconnected it is from the real issues facing North Queenslanders by not removing three large crocodiles from Rollingstone Creek between Townsville and Ingham, a decision that has been widely criticised by locals.

Despite Wildlife officers locating three crocodiles, each three metres in length or greater, guidelines set by the State Government through the Queensland Crocodile Management Plan (QCMP) meant that officers had no choice but to walk away and leave the crocodiles as is whilst reminding locals that this is “croc country”.

Hinchinbrook MP and KAP Deputy Leader Nick Dametto said that he was livid when hearing the news that three large predators had been left to their own devices in such close proximity to a residential area and a hugely popular freshwater swimming hole.

“These crocodiles, like the one first detected on the weekend are now swimming where people have enjoyed for generations,” Mr Dametto said.

“Because of the way Rollingstone Creek is zoned under the Queensland Crocodile Management Plan as a zone E, crocodiles can only be removed if they are “displaying dangerous behaviour”. How do we know what dangerous behaviour from a crocodile looks like. I’d say they’re dangerous when they’re trying to eat you.

“As the Hinchinbrook MP, I’m calling for all freshwater creeks between Silkwood and Townsville that are commonly used for swimming and recreation, including Rollingstone, to be urgently rezoned from a Zone E to a Zone D where any crocodile over two metres in size has to be targeted for removal.[1]

“The decision to leave the crocodiles in the creek and warn people that they live in ‘croc country’ has infuriated locals and families who have enjoyed this waterhole for years and years.

“Previously the KAP has called for a cull on crocodiles but we know this soft Government would never have the intestinal fortitude to back such a policy.

“I’d be somewhat satisfied if at least areas like the Rollingstone Creek were rezoned so that people had some comfort knowing the bigger crocodiles would be targeted for removal.

“People want to see crocodiles removed, with visual indicators showing that wildlife officers are actively hunting down crocodiles for removal. Traps and departmental resources should be visible during this time.”

-END-

[1] https://environment.des.qld.gov.au/wildlife/animals/living-with/crocodiles/management#crocodile_management_zones

Zone D – Transitory zone

A ‘transitory zone’ is suited to areas where crocodiles are often seen passing through but are not core habitat, such as beaches. Crocodiles 2 metres or greater in length and any crocodiles displaying dangerous behaviour are targeted for removal. Note that it is generally very difficult to remove crocodiles from open water.

Zone E – General management zone

A ‘general management zone’ is suited to areas that are typical habitat for crocodiles but are not near a large urban centre, as well as other areas with varied crocodile numbers that are not otherwise zoned. Essentially, this zone covers the remainder of Croc Country which is defined as the area north of the Boyne River, near Gladstone. Crocodiles displaying dangerous behaviour are targeted for removal.