The Queensland Government has announced the first major overhaul of its Crocodile Management Plan in almost a decade, with new laws designed to put public safety first.
Crocodiles over two metres can now be removed from three popular Far North Queensland swimming holes, including Greenpatch, Peets Bridge and the Little Mulgrave River. Crocs displaying dangerous behaviour will also be targeted for removal from the Mulgrave River upstream of Gordonvale, while the Barron River and Southedge Dam near Mareeba have been upgraded to reportable removal zones.
The government says the plan was developed after consultation with communities across the Far North, North and Central regions, and shaped by expert advice and scientific research. It introduces more patrols in high‑risk areas and expands removal zones to ensure families can enjoy waterholes safely.
Environment and Tourism Minister Andrew Powell is describing the plan as a commonsense approach that balances safety with conservation. Local MPs including Terry James, David Kempton and Wayde Chiesa said the changes reflect long‑standing community calls for tougher action, particularly in areas where crocodiles have increasingly moved into freshwater swimming spots.
For locals who have been calling for change, the overhaul represents a significant shift in crocodile management, aiming to restore confidence that Queensland’s waterways can be enjoyed safely while still protecting one of the state’s most iconic species.
