Crocodile Control and Conservation Bill 2024
Bill Story
The journey of this bill through Parliament, including debate and recorded votes.
As the bill's sponsor, Mr Knuth introduced this private member's bill to establish a Queensland Crocodile Authority based in Cairns with zero-tolerance zones for populated waterways, arguing North Queenslanders are endangered by exploding crocodile populations in recreational areas.
“We are sick and tired of the threat of attacks, the recent deaths and the near-death encounters just from trying to enjoy our outdoor lifestyle. We have never had to worry about the threat of crocodiles in our recreational waterways and beaches until the last 15 years.”— 2024-05-22View Hansard
Referred to Health, Environment and Agriculture Committee
Plain English Summary
Overview
This bill was discharged and did not become law. It sought to establish a Queensland Crocodile Authority in Cairns to remove crocodiles from populated waterways, expand the commercial crocodile industry, and give Indigenous landholders new rights to manage crocodiles on their land.
Who it affects
North Queensland residents who use beaches and waterways would have had improved safety, while Indigenous landholders would have gained new economic opportunities from crocodile management.
Key changes
- Create a Queensland Crocodile Authority based in Cairns to manage all crocodile matters
- Establish 'zero-tolerance zones' in populated waterways where crocodiles would be immediately removed
- Expand egg harvesting limits beyond the current 5,000 cap to support a commercial crocodile industry
- Allow Indigenous landholders to hunt, relocate or harvest crocodiles on their land
- Enable landholders to receive payment from approved clients who wish to hunt crocodiles