$4.9 Million to Manage Crocodiles in Qld, with Hefty Fines for Those Who Aren’t ‘Crocwise’

The Miles Government is investing $4.9 million in crocodile management this year and has introduced a raft of public safety measures to prevent people from disturbing, feeding, approaching or pursuing a crocodile, or driving a boat or vehicle within 10m of an estuarine crocodile in Queensland.

Australia is home to the world’s largest reptile, the estuarine (or saltwater) crocodile (Crocodylus porosus). Estuaries, rivers, beaches and waterways in central and northern Australia are prime Croc Country. Whether tourists or locals, it is everyone’s responsibility to respect these apex predators in Croc Country, and not doing so can result in fines of up to $26,615. Conservation officers now also have the power to direct people to move away from a crocodile to avoid any potential negative human–crocodile interactions.

Engaging in any of the following activities around crocs – regardless of whether the croc is within a national park or marine park or not – could land you a hefty fine.

• • Remaining near a crocodile that is on, or partly on, land – an on-the-spot fine of $806 or a maximum court-imposed fine of $16,130.

  • Discarding food, including fish frames, scraps and bait, in a way that may attract crocodiles to a public place such as a boat ramp, jetty, pontoon or camping area – an on-the-spot fine of $483 or a maximum court-imposed fine of $6452.

  • Deliberately disturbing or feeding crocodiles on-the-spot fine of $2580, with the maximum court-imposed fine increasing to $26,615.

  • Interfering with a crocodile trap has on-the-spot fine now $2580, with the maximum court-imposed fine increasing to $26,615.

“The Miles Government is serious about keeping people safe in Croc Country,” said Minister for the Environment and the Great Barrier Reef and Minister for Science and Innovation, Leanne Linard. “These new offences and increased fines are designed to reduce the risks associated with deliberately feeding and interacting with estuarine crocodiles.”

Staying Crocwise in Croc Country

• • • Always supervise your children near the water and keep pets on a lead.

    • Expect crocodiles in any waterway from Rockhampton north, even if warning signs are not present – just because you don’t see a croc doesn’t mean they don’t see you!

    • Obey warning signs – they are there to keep you safe.

    • Stand at least 5m back from the water’s edge when fishing and don’t wade in to retrieve a lure.

    • Camp well back from the water, at least 30m or more.

    • Never leave food, fish scraps or bait near the water, at camp sites or at boat ramps.

    • Never provoke, harass or feed crocs.

    • Be aware that crocodiles also swim in the ocean and be extra cautious around water at night.

    • Stay well away from croc traps – that includes when fishing and boating.

    • The smaller the vessel, the greater the risk, so avoid using canoes and kayaks.

More information on how to Be Crocwise is available here.