Northern Territory Crocodile Management Plan to ensure safety of swimmers

The Northern Territory Government has released their Saltwater Crocodile Management Program 2024-2034 which allows for the targeted culling of crocodiles in popular tourist destinations to ensure the safety of swimmers.

The Program, which has been released, allows for crocodiles to be culled in areas like popular tourists swimming destinations

The new Program provides a clear direction for the management of the NT’s saltwater crocodile population for the next 10 years.

Budget 2024 will have $800,000 allocated to crocodile management, and another $1.5 million a year ongoing from 2025-26. The funding will be directed to an enhanced crocodile removal program through building the capacity of the Crocodile Management Team.

It will also provide additional resources to Aboriginal ranger groups and develop and deploy new technologies to improve crocodile detection and monitoring.

This is one of a number of measures which will be put in place to manage the Northern Territory’s saltwater crocodile population.

Under the Program, it is intended the full quota of 90,000 eggs be harvested and no limit to the removal of problem crocodiles.

Educating the public about the dangers of saltwater crocodiles through continuing the Croc Wise campaign will play an important part of community safety under the new Program.

During the consultation process, an opportunity was identified to enhance Aboriginal livelihoods and provide working opportunities through active participation in the crocodile industry and development of new business opportunities.

The Program is evidence based and was drafted in consultation with scientific experts, industry stakeholders, animal welfare groups and the public.

The crocodile industry is worth at least $25 million to the Territory economy and has potential for growth.

To ensure the growth of this industry, the Crocodile Farming Industry Strategic Plan 2024-33 has also been released.

View the Northern Territory Crocodile Farming Industry Strategic Plan 2024-2033 visit https://industry.nt.gov.au/croc-strategy

The Saltwater Crocodile Management Program 2024-34 is available here