A surge in sightings of the saltwater crocodile north Queensland has raised eyebrows … and sparked calls for action. Members of the public last week raised the alarm after 14 crocodiles were seen at a popular fishing spot on Chinaman Creek in Cairns. And in Innisfail, crocodiles have reportedly been menacing local rowers on the Johnstone River.
Cassowary Coast Council Mayor Bill Shannon told the ABC that the crocodiles have been known to take dogs and it may only be a matter of time before they take a human.
“No one is talking about shooting these animals,” Mr Shannon said. “But trapping and relocating them would be obvious solution.”
Trapping and relocating is normally only currently carried out when an animal becomes a “problem crocodile”. Townsville Mayor Jenny Hill also says there have been cases where parts of the town have had to be closed off when crocodiles were seen wandering.
“They are very territorial once they’ve entered the area and they can be hard to catch and to move on,” Ms Hill told Radio Australia. “It’s a real clash of … meeting of … nature and civilisation.”
The Queensland government is currently developing a new crocodile management plan for the state, and is seeking input from local councils. Environment Minister Andrew Powell says councils have been invited to help draft the plan, and promised it will not be a one-size-fits-all approach.
“We are taking this issue very seriously and community safety concerns are our highest priority,” he said in a statement. “We will trap and remove any crocodiles which are found to be dangerous and we will work to set up a three-tiered system which includes exclusion and zero-tolerance zones.”
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