Bob Katter is well known for his colourful turn of phrase but he may have outdone himself last week.
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Mr Katter once infamously claimed that 'every three months, a person is torn to pieces by a crocodile' in North Queensland and commenting again after a crocodile attack in suburban Cairns Mr Katter said he was "sick of dealing with half-witted, Lilypad Lefties, with stars in their eyes and marijuana in their head and lungs," referring to the Queensland Government's crocodile policy.
It is an hilarious image but like many of Mr Katter's exaggerations it is completely wrong.
Crocodile policy is the preserve of boring hard-nosed scientists who base their calls on empirical evidence not drug-crazed whims.
Estuarine crocs are a fact of life in our waters from Gladstone to the Gulf and Queensland's Crocodile Managament Plan (2017) acknowledges the public safety risks associated with crocodiles and outlines the knowledge and behaviours that can help minimise risks of crocodile attacks in in the state's crocodile management zone.
They can be highly territorial, particularly during breeding seasons, and will attack anything in their habitat that they perceive is a threat.
But Mr Katter's figures are incorrect even if there is a slight uptick in recent numbers of attacks.
Queensland Government records indicate that between 1985-2016, 17 non-fatal attacks and eight fatal attacks by estuarine crocodiles have occurred in the wild.
Authorities can minimise attacks by installing of warning signs in known habitats and targeted removal of crocodiles known to pose a safety risk.
Even when crocs are removed, it often creates vacant territory that is quickly filled by the next most dominant animal are still likely to be present in the zone.
In short, a cull could create a completely false sense of security.
Mr Katter may get a warm and fuzzy feeling from his colourful criticism but the fact is no government can guarantee safety in waters frequented by large crocodiles.
It is imperative that each person takes accountability for staying safe in croc country.
If a crocodile is present in the area, report it to CrocWatch by calling 1300 130 372.
Derek Barry
Editor of the North West Star Mount Isa since January 2016. Prior to that, an editor at several regional southern Queensland newspapers. Passionate about telling local stories. Comes with a strange accent to due an Irish accident of birth.
Editor of the North West Star Mount Isa since January 2016. Prior to that, an editor at several regional southern Queensland newspapers. Passionate about telling local stories. Comes with a strange accent to due an Irish accident of birth.
