General News
20 December, 2025
‘People-first’ laws
PEOPLE are to come first instead of crocodiles as the Queensland Government introduces new laws to stop their dominance of waterways.
Under changes to the state’s crocodile management plan, crocs discovered at sites near Gordonvale and Mareeba can be relocated faster, as well as more patrols in high-risk areas and an expansion of removal zones.
Key changes include:
Three high-use recreation waterholes on the Mulgrave River upstream of Gordonvale to be upgraded to targeted crocodile removal zones, with predator reptiles longer than 2m and all crocodiles displaying dangerous behaviour to be targeted for removal
Barron River near Mareeba will be upgraded to a reportable removal zone, with any crocodile reported by the public to be targeted for removal
The Southedge Dam near Mareeba will be upgraded to a reportable removal zone, with any crocodile reported and found to be removed.
Regional communities will continue to be consulted on the plan, with a designated four-week annual consultation period and updates to be made on a rolling basis.
Member for Cook David Kempton said crocodiles were one of the big issues to emerge after his election and he had been working closely with the community and the Environment and Tourism Minister Andrew Powell to ensure that not only were the concerns heard, but action taken.
“Estuarine crocodiles were turning up in creeks, rivers and farm dams where they were never previously seen, which posed a threat to anyone frequenting these spots,” Mr Kempton said.
“Inaction by the previous government meant the crocodiles were increasing in numbers and spreading into new areas unchecked.”
More specific to the Douglas Shire, Mr Kempton said “in locations like Four Mile Beach where there are both tourists and locals, we need to have a zero tolerance to crocodiles”.
“Department officers are going to be more proactive in areas, including the Douglas Shire, and, as an example, there is a very large crocodile adjacent to one of the golf courses in Port Douglas,” he said.
“Up until now it has been tolerated, but there are a lot of young kids in that area. These crocodiles need to be monitored and if they become a nuisance, they need to be removed,” he said.
Mr Kempton said that while the new measures could not guarantee safety, they were a big step towards reducing the risk of death or injury to humans and livestock.
“Of equal importance is the fact that there will be annual four-week consultation periods to update the department and five-year reviews of the plan. This will ensure the government response is lockstep with community expectations,” he said.
Environment Minister Andrew Powell said the government had delivered on its promise to prioritise public safety.
“This is a world-class approach built on science, expert advice and what matters most – listening to Queenslanders.
“More patrols and expansion of removal areas will prioritise safety and strike the balance needed for crocodile management in Queensland.”
Member for Mulgrave Terry James said the Mulgrave community had been desperate for a plan that put people first.
“These are popular waterholes where locals like to swim and our plan is making them safer,” he said.
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