LNP’s plan with bite: People before crocs

• Crocodiles posing a danger to human life and communities will be euthanised under an LNP policy to keep Far North and North Queenslanders safe
• The LNP’s commonsense approach puts the interests of humans ahead of crocodiles
• Labor’s “observe and monitor approach” to dangerous crocodiles has put lives at risk

Crocodiles posing a danger to human life and communities will be euthanised under an LNP policy to keep Far North and North Queenslanders safe.

Shadow Environment Minister Dr Christian Rowan said the LNP had listened to the concerns of Far North and North Queenslanders and designed a policy to protect human life and empower communities living near crocodiles.

“This is a Far North and North Queensland policy for a Far North and North Queensland issue,” Dr Rowan said.

“This is a commonsense approach that puts the interests of humans ahead of crocodiles.

“The LNP understands that in some circumstances safe and quick capture is not practicable, when crocodiles venture near beaches, boat ramps or open water.”

Dr Rowan said while no natural waterway could be 100 per cent risk-free, areas in Far North and North Queensland would be managed thoroughly and effectively.

“The LNP believes more can be done to keep communities safe instead of simply spending millions of dollars of taxpayers’ money counting crocodiles,” he said.

“Our policy will also allow for the managed harvesting of crocodile eggs in areas where crocodile populations are rising.

“Under an LNP Nicholls Government, crocodile egg harvesting will be regulated as it is in the Northern Territory as a form of population control.

“While protecting crocodile habitats, farmers and landholders who harvest the eggs will potentially be provided with a commercial return.

“It beggars belief that Queensland crocodile farms currently have to import their eggs from the Northern Territory.”

Dr Rowan said the plan was centred on acting swiftly and decisively when crocodiles posed a risk.

“Under the LNP, locals and domestic and international visitors will know that their personal safety matters,” he said.

“We will provide our trained rangers with all the tools they need to protect people at popular beaches, swimming holes, boat ramps and marinas.

“Labor’s ‘observe and monitor approach’ for dangerous crocodiles has put people at unacceptable risk.”

LNP’s plan to keep communities safe from crocs:

• Local involvement in decision making: The LNP will listen to local communities and local governments when determining which zones will apply in which regions.
• Exclusion: Aim to prevent crocodiles from entering urban areas, recognised swimming areas and beaches with stinger nets.
• Zero Tolerance: Reduce the risk of attack by removing crocodiles from areas near boat ramps and marinas; Remove crocodiles that become a problem, e.g. crocodile exhibits unprovoked, aggressive behavior towards humans.
• Egg harvesting: Allow the managed harvest of crocodile eggs in areas where crocodile populations are rising. Permits will be required to harvest the eggs.
• Euthanise problem crocodiles when safe, quick capture isn’t an option: Problem crocodiles can be euthanised now under an approval from the Chief Executive in accordance with the Nature Conservation (Estuarine Crocodile) Conservation Plan 2007.