Queensland Budget 2023/24 delivers funding boost for crocodile safety initiatives

The Queensland Government Budget 2023/24 allocates an additional $4.175 million over the next three years to implement initiatives to help locals and visitors to make good Crocwise behaviour choices when in Croc Country.

As part of a new Crocwise Strategy, the State Government will partner with local governments to trial, develop and install small-scale Crocwise infrastructure to prevent crocodile attacks in high-risk areas.

The strategy also includes the development and commercialisation of a device to detect and deter estuarine crocodiles by using multi-beam sonar technology and artificial intelligence to detect the animals, and deter approaching crocodiles in high-use hotspots using underwater sound pulses.

The Queensland Crocodile Management Plan is designed to help keep people safe while ensuring the ongoing survival of crocodile populations in the wild.

The State Government is also working with human behavioural change experts, First Nations peoples, local governments and the tourism sector on further risk-mitigation methods, including the installation of small-scale physical Crocwise infrastructure to prevent crocodile attacks at waterways in high-risk areas.

People in Croc country must remember that they are responsible for their own safety.

QLD Environment Minister, Leanne Linard notes “Barry O’Rourke and Brittany Lauga have been in regular contact with me since I became Environment Minister about issues with crocs in the Fitzroy River.

“I am advised that the Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS) is responding to local issues, including setting a floating trap in the river earlier this month to capture a large crocodile which has been identified for removal.

Local State Member for Rockhampton, Barry O’Rourke adds “Rockhampton is Croc Country and everyone who uses the Fitzroy River needs to keep that in mind and act appropriately.

“The new Strategy, with enhanced Be Crocwise messaging, will promote the uptake of Crocwise behaviour, and provide practical advice on how to make Crocwise choices in Croc country.”

Image.Cairns Crocodile Warning signage.Credit: Karen Sweaney