BE AWARE DURING CROC SEASON

_{05 October, 2009}

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Member for Whitsunday Jan Jarratt is urging Whitsunday residents and tourists to remain on guard for crocodiles over the next six months.
The MP said crocodiles will be more active as the weather warms up and the wet season approaches.
“This is the season where crocodiles are preparing to mate and nest and they may be more aggressive,” she said.
"As Queensland's population increases around crocodile habitat, a chance encounter becomes more likely.
In Queensland, crocodiles are found between Gladstone and Cape York Peninsula and throughout the Gulf of Carpentaria.
"This is the time of year where people are most at risk and I asking everyone living in these areas to take care and keep their distance.”
Ms Jarratt said mangrove-lined creeks, estuaries and mudflats are prime croc habitat.
"We can't put warning signs everywhere where crocodiles are found, so people using these areas need to be alert and take responsibility for their safety.
"Some people place themselves and others at risk by dumping fish scraps at boat ramps and fishing too close to the water's edge.
“Our rangers also commonly see and hear of people knee-deep in croc habitat casting bait nets.”
Ms Jarratt said crocodile courtship begins around October-November, coinciding with the wet season and nesting spreads over several months up to April.
"Female crocodiles will actively defend their nest and as crocs become more mobile we're more likely to see them in coastal areas”, she said.
The MP said warning signs are installed throughout croc country where people were more likely to encounter crocodiles such as boat ramps and waterside parks.

"However, the absence of a sign does not mean the area is free of crocodiles and the public should always presume that a croc may be present," she said.
"All reports of crocodile sightings are taken extremely seriously.
Where DERM determines that a crocodiles behaviour or location poses a threat to human safety or wellbeing, it is classified as crocodile of concern and targeted for removal from the wild."
Simple precautions to minimise public risk incluide:
• Never enter the water or swim where crocodiles may live, especially at night;
• When fishing, always stand a few metres back from the water's edge and never stand on logs or branches overhanging the water;
• Never clean fish or discard fish scraps near the water's edge, around campsites, or at boat ramps;
• Never dangle your arms or legs over the side of a boat. If you fall out of a boat, get out of the water as quickly as possible;
• Stay well back from any crocodile or crocodile slide marks. Crocodiles may approach people and boats;
• Never provoke, harass or interfere with crocodiles, even small ones;
• Never feed crocodiles - it is illegal and dangerous;
• Camp at least 2m above the high water mark and at least 50m from the water's edge. Avoid places where native animals and domestic stock drink;
• Never leave food scraps, fish frames or bait at your campsite. Always check that previous campers have not left these behind;
• Never prepare food, wash dishes, or pursue any other activities near the water's edge or adjacent sloping banks; and
• Be more aware at night and during the breeding season, October to April.
Although most commonly seen in tidal reaches of rivers, crocodiles also occur along beaches and offshore islands in the Great Barrier Reef and Torres Strait, and in freshwater lagoons, rivers, and swamps.

In some parts of Northern Queensland they can occur over a hundred kilometers inland from the coast.

Crocodiles are protected under both State and Federal legislation and are classified as a 'vulnerable' species in Queensland.

Media contact-

Jan Jarratt
4945 3343
whitsunday@parliament.qld.gov.au

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