Crocodile Control and Conservation Bill 2024

Overview

This bill was discharged and did not become law. It would have established a Queensland Crocodile Authority based in Cairns to take charge of all crocodile management across the state. The bill responded to rising crocodile numbers and increasing attacks in North Queensland by creating 'zero-tolerance zones' in populated waterways and expanding commercial opportunities including egg harvesting and Indigenous land management rights.

Who it affects

North Queensland residents who use beaches and waterways would have had improved safety from mandatory crocodile removal. Indigenous landholders would have gained new economic opportunities and direct control over crocodile management on their land.

Key changes

• Establish a Queensland Crocodile Authority based in Cairns with a Director appointed by the Legislative Assembly
• Create zero-tolerance zones in populated waterways where crocodiles must be removed within 48 hours by killing or relocation to farms or sanctuaries
• Expand crocodile egg harvesting limits beyond the current cap of 5,000 per year, reviewed annually
• Give Indigenous landholders rights to hunt, relocate, harvest eggs, or accept payment for crocodile management on their land
• Restrict new crocodile farming permits to Australian-owned entities only
• Require the Authority to publish quarterly and annual reports on crocodile attacks, removals, relocations and egg harvesting