Media Release

A prominent and respected professional member of the North Queensland
community reported a large crocodile in the Russell River to the Department of Environment in
recent months.
KAP Member for Kennedy, Bob Katter’s office has been informed that allegedly the reported
crocodile was then trapped by the Department and released again as it did not show aggressive
behaviour and was thought not to be a threat. It is said to have measured 4.3 metres.
The Russell River is where the large crocodile that killed Cairns man, Warren Hughes, was shot
dead by wildlife officers last Tuesday.
This comes just two weeks after the State Government announced its crocodile management plan,
where ‘remove and release’ are considered a key feature.
Mr Katter said, “We are saying you need croc culling, whether you put them into farms or whether
you shoot them.
“The fundamental failure of the Government is it has not come to grips with the grave danger to
people, human beings from flying foxes and crocodiles. There couldn’t be a worse way to die. The
way a crocodile kills you is just horrific. Who would impose that danger upon the people of your
state?”
“The Government is talking about management programs that will scientifically assess the
numbers and monitor and remove… ‘Remove, yeah to where?’ Well, North Qlders are laughing.
“In my entire life time, up until 30 years ago, I had never seen a crocodile in the wild --and I’d
probably spent as much time in the bush or creeks and rivers as anyone alive in Australia. Now
today I’d see a croc on maybe one out of 10 river inspections. Now we have a crocodile related
incident or siting so frequently it’s not even news anymore.”
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