Sonar and barriers among Qld crocodile safety projects

The jaws, eyes and mere presence of crocodiles in north Queensland will be easier to detect under a project proposed by the state government to improve safety. 

Environment Minister Meaghan Scanlon will convene a roundtable in Cairns and commit to more than $4 million in funding over three years for new initiatives into croc safety while parliament sits in the state's north.

Industry representatives, traditional owners, conservation groups, rangers and elected representatives are expected to attend with one proposal slated to change the way crocodiles are monitored.

Part of the funding will attempt to develop a device that can reliably detect crocodiles underwater both night and day using "multi-beam sonar and deep learning recognition artificial intelligence computer software".

The roundtable is expected to discuss the Department of Environment and Science's Crocwise Strategy, Crocodile Management Plan consultation, research and monitoring of estuarine crocodile numbers and behaviour.

Ms Scanlon says an independent committee's review of the government's crocodile management program in 2020 showed monitoring crocodiles and their habitats bodes as the best and an effective safety strategy.

"As part of this program, crocodiles that pose a threat to human safety are already targeted for removal by the department and its contractors," she said.

"But of course, with recent interactions it's important that we make sure that we continue to deliver the best program possible."

Earlier this month, the remains of a fisherman were found inside a crocodile along the Kennedy River, northwest of Cape Tribulation, prompting calls to consider a cull.

In February, a 4.2-metre crocodile that attacked a man and ate his dog north of Cairns was shot dead by wildlife officers.

Last year, the department responded to 890 sighting reports and removed 57 problem crocodiles, with most placed with crocodile farms and zoos.

"The Queensland government does not support the culling of crocodiles as an effective risk reduction measure," Ms Scanlon said.

"Attempting to remove all crocodiles from an area of crocodile habitat does not make that area safe, as crocodiles are a highly mobile species capable of travelling many kilometres in a day, and more crocodiles will continue to enter the area, without necessarily being seen.

"Additionally, culling crocodiles may create a false sense of security in the community when in crocodile habitat."

The government will also partner with local councils to trial safe infrastructure design in public areas, including the installation of small-scale physical barriers to prevent crocodile attacks at waterways in high-risk areas.