Labor content for crocodiles to keep eating tourists

Member for Hill Shane Knuth has today hit out at the State Government for their lack of urgency towards the growing risk of crocodile attacks and sightings in the Far North, likening it to their apathy on youth crime.

Mr Knuth was responding to a crocodile attack at a boat ramp at Ayton on the Bloomfield River, 60 klms south of Cooktown on Wednesday where a lucky tourist managed to free his leg from the mouth of a large crocodile.

A passing ranger was able to perform immediate first aid and call the rescue helicopter from Cairns. The tourist is reported to be in a stable condition in Cairns Base Hospital.

Mr Knuth said the KAP has submitted their Saferwaterways Bill twice now with the Government and Liberal opposition both voting against changes to the management of crocodiles.

“Our Bill would implement sensible controls on the management of crocodile numbers, including the establishment of a Queensland Crocodile Authority in Cairns, increased ranger numbers, egg harvesting initiatives for indigenous people and a zero tolerance on ANY crocodile in ANY populated beach or waterway.”

Mr Knuth’s renewed calls for better management of crocodiles, follows news this week of a crocodile sighting on a street in Ingham.

“These incidents are on the rise and I am receiving constant feedback from fishermen, water recreational users and Queensland Life Saving on increased crocodile activity on beaches and inland waterways in populated areas.”

Member for Hinchinbrook Nick Dametto said he is sick and tired of the Governments response of putting up a sign to be Croc Wise. 

“I guess the Government will put up a sign in the main street of Ingham now,” said Mr Dametto.

“You can bet if there was a 2.5metre crocodile on a street in Brisbane they would call out the army reserves. The Government are again taking regional Queenslander’s for fools and enough is enough.”