The Queensland Government says its new unified crocodile management plan will make it simpler for the public to know how crocodiles should be handled across the state.
The new plan replaces four separate crocodile management plans covering the local government areas of Douglas/Cairns, Cassowary Coast, Hinchinbrook and Townsville – as well as three Crocodile Urban Management Areas in Mackay, Rockhampton and Gladstone.
The plan provides information on six identified zones and the likelihood of risks and interactions with people in these zones and recommended approaches for each.
Speaking in Cairns, Environment Minister Steven Miles said the new plan was more streamlined, more consistent and provided greater understanding of risks without relaxing the current system of proactive removals.
“Extensive consultation with councils, community groups and the public was carried out last year as part of the Government’s $5.8 million crocodile management review and there was clear support for maintaining the existing arrangements while continuing to ensure the conservation of crocodiles in the wild," he said.
“The Palaszczuk Government is well-aware there are serious public safety concerns associated with croc country but we want to be guided by science – not emotion."
Shadow Environment Minister Christian Rowan said the plan did not go far enough.
"Locals, along with domestic and international visitors, need to have more confidence that their personal safety matters," he said.
You can see the new crocodile management plan here.