The tragic death of a man in Far North Queensland this week highlights the need for better regulation to minimise the risk of dangerous wildlife interactions. 

On Saturday, NSW doctor and father-of-four David Hogbin was taken by a 4.9m saltwater crocodile at Annan River near Cooktown. It is believed the iconic crocodile may have been at the scenic tourist spot because it was being fed illegally by people, some of whom were taking video footage to post on social media. 

“At this time, our thoughts are with members of David Hogbin’s family who are dealing with this terrible tragedy,” Environmental Defenders Office Managing Lawyer Kirstiana Ward said.   “We send our sincere condolences to everyone whose life has been indelibly affected by this awful event. We feel for the family and the whole of Cooktown and surrounding community.” 

The Environmental Defenders Office is committed to working with all stakeholders—First Nations people, conservationist Bob Irwin, Community Representation of Crocodiles (CROCS), first responders, the broader community, and government—to reform the law to minimise the risk of dangerous interactions between people and crocodiles. 

“The reforms we have proposed will improve public safety, hold individuals accountable for their reckless behaviour, and reduce the needless culling of crocodiles, which causes extreme distress to First Nations communities,” Ms Ward said. 

“We are urging the creation of a new offence of ‘reckless behaviour’ in croc habitat that would include the feeding of crocs. Feeding causes crocs to remain in areas where they sit and wait to be fed, increasing the risks of dangerous human-wildlife interactions. 

“We have been talking to the government for more than year about tightening loopholes in Nature Conservation Act and we are comforted that our concerns align with the concerns of the government today. We are continuing to work on the best legal and educational frameworks to avoid this devastating outcome happening again. 

“We support the department’s ongoing commitment to consider all voices and all opportunities to mitigate the risks. The simple changes we are proposing wouldn’t stop anyone fishing or safely enjoying areas where crocs live. But they would close a legal loophole that allows people to get away with deliberately and dangerously using crocodile habitat. 

“Queenslanders must all work together to ensure we manage the risks by observing Crocsafe behaviours at all times. We stand ready to work with the Queensland Government to update regulation to get the best outcome for people, communities and wildlife.” 

KEY REFORMS  

  • Reckless behaviours: Create new offences under the Nature Conservation Act 1992 (NCA) outlawing “reckless behaviours” in crocodile habitat, including the feeding of crocodiles  
  • Social media: Create additional penalties in the NCA for people who publish content of their “reckless behaviours” on social media. 
  • First Nations rights: Mandate in the NCA First Nations peoples’ rights to be consulted before a crocodile is removed, and uphold First Nations people’s human rights. 
  • Management and enforcement: On ground management and enforcement powers should be handed to First Nations Rangers through conservation officer authority under the NCA. Enforcement powers should also be given to local government. 

  

MEDIA CONTACT: James Tremain | 0419 272 254