Rangers are working to try and trap a 4-metre crocodile lurking upstream from a recreational water sports area in the Fitzroy River at Rockhampton.
The Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service this week confirmed the crocodile was in the Pink Lily area, about 10 kilometres upstream from the barrage.
"In response to crocodile sighting reports, wildlife officers conducted multiple, comprehensive spotlight surveys of the Fitzroy River above the barrage in April and May," senior wildlife officer Josh Morris said.
"We surveyed 20 kilometres of the river during those surveys and confirmed the presence of a number of crocodiles, mostly less than 2 metres in size.
"During the last two surveys, we confirmed the presence of a crocodile greater than 2 metres in size."
Mr Morris said the area was mapped as zone C under the Queensland Crocodile Management Plan, which means any crocodiles 2 metres or larger are targeted for removal.
He advised people to stay away from the Pink Lily area while the trap was deployed.
"This will give us the best chance at capturing the crocodile, and it is an offence to interfere with a crocodile trap," he said.
"If the animal is captured, it will be sent to a farm or zoo."
Local water ski club calls for rezoning
Rockhampton Water Ski Club vice president Peter Darby has been skiing in the area for 16 years and said this was the first time he had been worried about crocodiles.
"We're pleased that there's a trap in the water to remove the crocodile out of the management zone," he said.
"It has impacted our club and has reduced participation from members and non-members, and I believe it has had an impact on other river users as well, such as rowing and dragon boating and canoeing."
Mr Darby said the club was in the early stages of working with the Department of Environment and Science to rezone the area from a Zone C to B.
"Zone C currently only targets crocodiles for removal if they're longer than 2 metres and Zone B targets all crocodiles to be removed from the area regardless of size.
"It means that water sports and recreation of the river would be able to progress in a much safer manner without having as much concern for crocodiles."
Mr Darby said he had been working with the state member for Mirani, Stephen Andrew to get to this point.
"I'd like to thank Mr Andrew for his help liaising with the Minister for Environment Leanne Linard and the relevant government departments and for his ongoing assistance on the matter," Mr Darby said.
More than 30 croc sightings investigated
Mr Morris said wildlife officers had investigated 32 crocodile sighting reports in the Rockhampton region so far this year, with 15 of those reported above the barrage.
"We rely on public sightings from these areas, obviously. We can't be out on the water all the time knowing where crocodiles move," Mr Morris said.
"The last crocodile that was removed out of that area was in December 2020, in a relatively similar area to where this crocodile is."
Mr Morris said it was important people were aware of crocodiles at all times, even if this crocodile was removed.
"The Fitzroy River is typical habitat for crocodiles, and they will continue to be present in the area," he said.
"Entering the water in croc country is a choice … you are responsible for your own safety in croc country."
Rockhampton residents are being urged to report all crocodile sightings so wildlife officers can investigate.
Crocodile sightings can be reported to the department using the QWildlife app and submitting a sighting report.
