2 days ago
Terri Irwin calls Katter's Australian Party crocodile cull plan 'dangerous' as Queensland considers new laws
World-famous conservationist Terri Irwin has branded proposed legislation to allow crocodile culls and safari-style hunting trips as "dangerous" and a "recipe for disaster".
The legislation put forward by Katter's Australian Party (KAP) proposes the creation of a Queensland Crocodile Authority, which would be charged with implementing "zero-tolerance zones" in populated areas, where all crocodiles would be culled or relocated to farms or sanctuaries.
"These are man-eating killers," said KAP MP Shane Knuth, whose electorate of Hill takes in known crocodile country in Far North Queensland.
But in a parliamentary submission, Terri Irwin described the population increase as "very modest" and said the KAP bill would "increase the likelihood of attacks" because so-called zero-tolerance zones would create a "false sense of security".
"Research has consistently shown that when a crocodile dies or is removed, then another crocodile immediately comes in to take over that territory," the Australia Zoo director wrote.
But Mr Knuth insists some recreational groups and farmers are worried and angry about the threat posed by crocodiles.
"You could spearfish in the Tully River, you'd be ripped to pieces," he said.
"The crocs are in their bore drains, they're in their farms, they're in their cane.
"We want to get it back to what it was in the 1980s and 90s. It was a risk, but it was an acceptable risk."
The KAP also wants Indigenous people to have the option to offer safari-style hunting trips to high paying clients.
They describe this as a potential "economic benefit".
Crocodiles were hunted to the brink of extinction in Queensland prior to the 1970s.
Saltwater crocodiles are currently considered a threatened species and are protected.
The Department of Environment estimates there are between 20,000 and 30,000 salt and freshwater crocodiles in Queensland waterways.
They have been found as far south as the Boyne River in Gladstone, but are more common on Cape York, north of Cooktown.
Speaking in Cairns at a public hearing into the legislation, traditional owners said crocodiles were spiritually and environmentally important.
"Crocodiles are a part of us," Wanjuru man Dennis Ah-Kee said.
"They help maintain the health of the waterways. Without crocodiles the waterways get sick and that's what we're trying to avoid".
Kunggandiji man Warren Martens called for Indigenous people to have a greater say in crocodile management.
"Indigenous people need to be involved in that process. At the moment we're left out of it," he said.
"We have a great understanding of crocs and how they behave."
In its submission to the parliamentary inquiry, the Whitsunday Charter Boat Industry Association expressed concern for tourists snorkelling and swimming, saying any death or injury would "undermine the ongoing viability of marine tourism".
But David White, who has run wildlife cruises on the Daintree river for 28 years, said there was a lot of "hysteria" around crocodiles and "fear leads to hate".
He favours education over eradication.
"I work with them, I love them, they're amazing creatures, but whether you like them or not, it's not the way to keep people safe, it just leads to complacency."
Professor Craig Franklin, who has researched crocodiles for three decades, agrees.
"Attacks on people are very rare," he said.
"It's absolutely possible for crocodiles and humans to coexist, having a comprehensive education and awareness program.
"An independent review in 2021 praised the success of the 'Crocwise' education program for its pivotal role in reducing human-crocodile conflicts."
