Terri Irwin Slams 'Dangerous' Crocodile Culling Bill in Queensland

Public hearings are underway in Brisbane, Australia, to discuss the controversial proposal for crocodile culling legislation. The bill, put forward by Katter's Australian Party (KAP), aims to establish a Queensland Crocodile Authority with the power to implement "zero-tolerance zones" in populated areas. This means that any crocodiles found within these zones would be culled or relocated to farms or sanctuaries. Terri Irwin, a prominent Australian conservationist, strongly criticized the proposal, stating that it is "dangerous and a recipe for disaster." She expressed concerns that the culling would increase the likelihood of attacks. In contrast, Shane Knuth from KAP argues that the crocodile population has "absolutely exploded" and that previous governments have failed to address the issue. Traditional owners, however, emphasized the crucial spiritual and environmental role of crocodiles in maintaining the health of Queensland waterways. Dennis Ah-Kee, a Wanuru man, stated that "without crocodiles, the waterways get sick." This highlights the complex and multifaceted nature of the issue, balancing public safety concerns with the cultural and ecological importance of crocodiles. The ongoing hearings are expected to generate further debate and discussion.