Crocodiles that pose a danger to public safety will no longer be relocated and released, but ‘euthanised’ if a zoo or crocodile farm can’t take them, under a strong new LNP crocodile management policy designed to put the safety of North Queenslanders first.

Hinchinbrook MP, Andrew Cripps, said the LNP had listened to the concerns of North Queenslanders and designed a balanced and common sense policy that acknowledges concerns about public safety and moves towards reducing the wild crocodile population.

Mr Cripps said while the LNP would not pursue a widespread cull of crocodiles, the new  management plan would remove problem crocodiles permanently and establish a sustainable egg harvesting industry in Queensland, which would reduce wild crocodile numbers.

“The framework for this is already well established in the Northern Territory as a form of sensible and regulated population control – amazingly, crocodile farmers in Queensland currently import crocodile eggs from the Northern Territory for their breeding programs” said Mr Cripps.

“While no waterway in North Queensland can ever be 100 per cent risk-free, the LNP believes there is much more that can be done to keep local communities safe and this new management plan is aimed at protecting our lifestyle, without resorting to extreme policies” he said.

Mr Cripps said the LNP had released its crocodile management policy in the wake of the spectacular failure of a new crocodile management plan release by the Palaszczuk Labor Government in March, which was already undergoing emergency changes following a public outcry.

“Several North Queensland Mayors have demanded changes to Labor’s plan after it had been in operation for only two months – after spending two years reviewing the management framework, Environment Minister, Steven Miles, has absolutely no credibility on this issue”.

““Under the LNP’s crocodile plan, local residents and domestic and international visitors to North Queensland will know their personal safety is a priority, but that this iconic native animals is still an important part of the environment and the ecosystem across the region”.

Mr Cripps said the LNP’s management framework would provide the training and the tools required to protect people at popular beaches, swimming holes, boat ramps and marinas, as well as involving local communities and local councils in the development of local plans.