Irwin Family Opposes Crocodile Culls in Queensland
Conservationists Warn Removing Crocs Creates New Dangers
A debate is intensifying in Queensland, Australia, over proposed laws to cull or relocate crocodiles from populated areas, with the family of the late **Steve Irwin** voicing strong opposition. Concerns center on whether removing apex predators will ultimately increase risks to both residents and tourists.
Father of the Crocodile Hunter Speaks Out
**Bob Irwin**, father of the famed wildlife expert, argued against the proposed legislation during a parliamentary hearing. He believes eliminating crocodiles is an ineffective strategy. “Culling crocodiles is a pointless exercise, absolutely pointless,”
he stated.
The Katter’s Australian Party is championing the bill, citing a dramatic increase in crocodile sightings. They claim numbers have exploded
in northern Queensland. The Liberal National government is currently reviewing the proposal.
A Cycle of Displacement and Risk
**Bob Irwin** explained that removing a dominant crocodile often leads to a less stable situation. He warned that a juvenile delinquent
would likely move in to fill the vacated territory. He further emphasized that culling doesn’t guarantee safety, stating, “You’re never going to be able to say to the general public you can swim in that river now, because you won’t ever know that there are crocodiles still there.”
Australia experienced 5 crocodile attacks in 2023, resulting in one fatality, according to the Queensland Department of Environment and Science. More information on crocodile attacks in Queensland is available on the government website.
Concerns Echoed by Terri Irwin
**Terri Irwin**, **Steve Irwin’s** widow, also submitted concerns to the committee. She believes culling could create a false sense of security, potentially increasing the risk of attacks in areas where crocodiles have been removed.
Indigenous Perspectives and Management
The debate also includes perspectives from Indigenous communities. **Murrandoo Yanner**, who won a landmark High Court case regarding crocodile hunting rights, suggested Aboriginal people could assist in a culling program. He emphasized their traditional knowledge and sustainable management practices. “We hunt and eat them, but we’re not in that camp that we just want to totally cull them,”
he explained, adding that they “manage them very well.”
The Queensland environment department’s deputy director general, **Ben Klaassen**, stressed the importance of education in preventing attacks. He stated that “No amount of crocodile removal can guarantee the absence of crocodiles in a waterway, nor can it assure that an area is completely safe to swim.”
Councils in Mareeba and Whitsundays support the bill, citing risks to residents and tourists. The committee’s report is expected in August, which will inform the government’s final decision.
