THE AUSTRALIAN (Sydney) 14 May 04 Idiots' feed crocs (Andy Toulson)
"Idiots" who flout crocodile warning signs and leave food and bait around boat ramps will face the full force of the law.
Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service ranger Mike Pople echoed government concerns that people had been illegally feeding crocodiles at boat ramps and creeks around North Queensland, an offence which carries a maximum fine of $12,000.
The Townsville-based senior wildlife ranger said several local boat ramps had been cause for concern over recent holiday breaks.
"The Bohle River boat ramp is one of the worst examples," Mr Pople said.
"We were there a couple of weeks ago, and it was really on the nose, with people having left a box of smelly bait right under the warning sign.
"This is particularly foolhardy considering crocodiles have been sighted on the banks of the Bohle in recent weeks. The other place where people do this is the Dungeness River near Lucinda - they leave bait fish on the boat ramp, when the bins provided are only 100m away."
State Environment Minister John Mickel told State Parliament that the QPWS was doing a terrific job in managing crocodiles and educating the community about safety in croc country through its "croc wise" program.
But he said there were "a few idiots who are not getting the message".
"Their behaviour endangers not only themselves but the lives of others," Mr Mickel said.
"I remind everyone living or visiting crocodile territory that feeding crocodiles is illegal and attracts a maximum fine of over $12,000."
Mr Mickel said other North Queensland areas which had been reported to him as causing concern included bait fish scattered on the boat ramp over Easter at Cromarty Landing and Barramundi Creek, south of Townsville, and people disposing of fish frames and bait beside boat ramps at Karumba this month.
Idiots' feed crocs