Safer Waterways Bill 2017

Overview

This bill would have created a new Queensland Crocodile Authority based in Cairns with powers to kill or relocate crocodiles that threaten people, and to authorise crocodile farming and egg harvesting as a new industry. Introduced by KAP MP Shane Knuth as a private member's bill in response to crocodile attacks in North Queensland, it lapsed and did not become law.

Who it affects

North Queensland residents, Indigenous and private landholders, and the crocodile farming industry would have been most affected. Landholders could have been authorised to kill crocodiles, harvest eggs, or charge hunters to come onto their property.

Key changes

• Set up a Queensland Crocodile Authority in Cairns, led by a director and 7-member board with Indigenous and industry representation
• Required 'rogue' crocodiles in urban areas or recreational waterways to be killed or relocated within 48 hours
• Legalised licensed commercial crocodile egg harvesting and restricted new farming licences to Australian-owned entities
• Allowed Indigenous and private landholders to manage, kill, or charge others to hunt crocodiles on their land
• Required quarterly and annual public reports on every crocodile killed, relocated, or egg harvested