General News
16 February, 2026
New croc plan a big win
LOCAL waterways can finally become much safer, with the State Government’s new Crocodile Management Plan now including parts of the Barron River and Lake Mitchell (Southedge Dam) as reportable removal zones.
The government recently released the new plan which has upped crocodile management in areas across Mareeba, Mulgrave and Ingham – a big win for public safety in areas affected by the intrusion of the apex predators.
Updates to the plan include a designated four-week annual consultation period as well as a mandatory review conducted every five years.
The Barron River and Lake Mitchell near Mareeba were now included in the new plan as “reportable removal zones” – meaning that if a crocodile is sighted and reported in these areas, it will be targeted for removal.
The debate on crocs reached an all-time high last year, when Mareeba cane farmer George Adil launched a petition to increase the zoning area for removal after they were increasingly being spotted in places they had not previously inhabited.
“I have been campaigning for years to have the crocodiles that have invaded our waterways removed. I lodged a petition with parliament several months ago with over 4,500 signatures,” he said.
“It is good news to finally see a government that is not only listening to the people but is prepared to act.”
Member for Cook David Kempton said crocodiles were one of the big issues to emerge after his election, and he had been working to ensure action was taken.
“Estuarine crocodiles were turning up in creeks, rivers and farm dams where they were never previously seen, which posed a threat to anyone frequenting these spots,” he said.
Another advocate for the changes, Mareeba Shire Deputy Mayor Lenore Wyatt, said the new plan was good news.
“The increased patrols and the inclusion of the Barron River in the removal zones are commonsense steps toward keeping our residents and visitors safe,” she said.
“After months of advocacy to have Zone F extended in the Mareeba Shire, it’s nice to finally see some progress.”
