Croc removal backed by local state MP
FNQ wildlife
Calls by Mareeba farmers to remove crocodiles from the upper parts of the Mitchell and Barron Rivers have been backed by Cook MP David Kempton.
Farmer George Adil earlier this month launched a petition calling for the removal of salt-water crocodiles from the region, including about 2km from his farm, as well as dams in the area.
Mr Adil wants more of Mareeba Shire to be declared “Zone F”, meaning crocs have to be immediately removed or culled by the State Government Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation Department (DETSI).
Mr Kempton said today (Wednesday, June 18) he was advocating on behalf of Mareeba and Biboohra farmers and residents to include all areas in the area where crocodiles have been seen to be declared Zone F.
“I will further push for landholders to be able to apply for a licence to remove crocodiles from private water storage areas where they pose a threat to landholders,” Mr Kempton said.
The people of Mareeba and the surrounding districts have enjoyed access to the creeks, rivers and dams for generations, he said.
“Whilst there is no 100 per cent guarantee all crocodiles can be removed, positive action will reduce the risk”.
Mr Kempton said that, under the current Queensland Crocodile Management Plan, there are six zones where different management strategies are used, with Zone F applying to areas where crocodiles inhabit places outside their typical range.
He said the Management Plan was under constant review to ensure interactions between crocodiles and humans are minimised.
The Mareeba Wetlands area is already classed as Zone F, but Mr Adil’s petition calls for the Mitchell River region from Mitchell Falls to the source, and the Barron River region from Barron Falls to the source, to be added.
A Mareeba Shire Council survey in 2020 found more than 20 saltwater crocodiles were living in the Lake Mitchell, Two Mile Creek and Quaids Dam area where crocodiles were not previously found.
The council, which has been calling on DETSI to remove them during the past five years, did not know exactly how they got there, but suspected they may have escaped from a crocodile farm.
Report any crocodile sightings to the QWildlife app, on the DETSI website, or on 1300 130 372 and always remember to stay CrocWise.
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