More crocodiles are set to be removed from waters in the Mareeba Shire area after the State Government yesterday announced changes to its management policy.

Removal of crocodiles will be increased in parts of the Barron and Mitchell Rivers, as well as Lake Mitchell, “in response to community concerns that crocodiles were causing an increasing threat to people in areas where they previously were not found in the Mareeba district”, according to Cook MP David Kempton.

Mr Kempton said crocodile management was one of the big issues to emerge after his election last year, and he has been working closely with the community and Environment Minister Andrew Powell to take more action.

"Estuarine crocodiles were turning up in creeks, rivers and farm dams where they were never previously seen, which posed a threat to anyone frequenting these spots," Mr Kempton said.

"The crocodiles were increasing in numbers and spreading into new areas unchecked."

The two rivers and lake will be designated "reportable removal zones", meaning a reported croc will be removed by trained officers.

Mr Kempton said that, while the new measures cannot guarantee safety, they are a big step towards reducing the risk of death or injury to humans and livestock.

There will also be annual four-week consultation periods to update the department and five-year reviews of the plan, he said. 

“I’ve been backing our community’s calls for tougher action on crocodiles from the moment I was elected,” Mr Kempton said. 

“I’m proud that Mareeba’s voice has been heard.”

Long-time campaigner and Mareeba farmer George Adil welcomed the changes.

"I have been campaigning for years to have the crocodiles that have invaded our waterways removed," Mr Adil said.

“I even lodged a petition with parliament several months ago with over 4500 signatures.”