Slow stately dance

Wet Tropic Times | 17 Feisty two-metre crocodile removed from Kurrimine

A two-metre crocodile that was hanging around a caravan park and boat ramp at Kurrimine Beach in far north Queensland has been removed from the wild.

The crocodile was captured in a baited trap on April 21, 2022 and will be rehomed to a farm or zoo.

A member of the public reported the crocodile to DES recently via the QWildlife app. Wildlife officers later confirmed the presence of the animal in an estuary at Kurrimine Beach, south of Innisfail.

The animal was unusually bold for its size, and given its location, it was declared a dangerous crocodile and targeted for removal from the wild.

When the trap was set, the animal was quickly captured overnight.

People are responsible for their own safety in croc country, but under the Queensland Crocodile Management Plan, Kurrimine Beach is within Zone D (Targeted Beach Management Zone).

This means any crocodile two metres or greater in length, or any crocodile displaying dangerous behaviour, is targeted for removal.

Crocodiles that pose a threat to human safety are targeted for removal under the Queensland Crocodile Management Plan.

All crocodile sightings can be reported by using the free QWildlife app or by calling 1300 130 372. DES investigates all reports it receives.

People in croc country are reminded to always be Crocwise at all times. In particular: • Expect crocodiles in ALL far northern Queensland waterways even if there is no warning sign • Obey all warning signs – they are there to keep you safe • Be aware crocs also swim in the ocean and be extra cautious around water at night • Stay well away from croc traps – that includes fishing and boating • The smaller the vessel the greater the risk, so avoid using canoes and kayaks • Stand back from the water’s edge when fishing and don’t wade in to retrieve a lure • Camp at least 50 metres from the edge of the water • Never leave food, fish scraps or bait near water, camp site or boat ramp • Never provoke, harass or feed crocs • Always supervise children near the water and keep pets on a lead

Report all croc sightings to DES by calling 1300 130 372.

Further information on being Crocwise is available at: https://environment.des.qld.gov.au/wildlife/animals/ living-with/crocodiles/croc-wise

Setting the record straight on Smartcane BMP

CANEGROWERS CHAIRMAN PAUL SCHEMBRI

AS a cane grower accredited in the industry's voluntary Smartcane BMP program for productivity, profitability and sustainability, I am dismayed by rumours and misinformation circulating about the program.

Disappointingly, some of it is coming from fellow farmer representative groups, which, for some reason, are working to undermine the significant efforts of cane growers to secure their future.

Without repeating everything that's being said, I need to set the record straight with some facts.

Smartcane BMP is not just about environmental compliance, and the recommended farm practices are not based on water quality monitoring. Industry developed it based on years of sugarcane production research to make the most efficient use of nutrients and water while keeping soils productive. It is focused on both profit and sustainability – there are no trade-offs.

Customers purchasing Australia's export raw sugar are increasingly demanding proof of its clean, green, sustainability credentials. Smartcane BMP is helping us preserve our reputation in the world market. With around 85% of our production each year going overseas, this importance cannot be understated.

Most growers get this. The 10% figure thrown around about cane growers' interest in Smartcane BMP is just wrong. The fact is that 85% of Queensland's sugarcane farmland is enrolled in the program by the growers who manage it. 35% has been accredited so far.

My brother and I are one of the 685 farm businesses accredited in the five years the program has been running. In that time, following the best management practices, our production has gone up.

This brings me to another myth doing the rounds, that Smartcane BMP drives down production. Some people may be confusing the industry program with government reef regulations which potentially hold that risk for us, which is why CANEGROWERS opposes them.

Would so many growers and big corporations like Wilmar Sugar stick with Smartcane BMP if it hurts their bottom lines? Of course, they wouldn't.

If this claim is from accredited growers who are suffering production losses, I suggest with all concern that they talk to their Smartcane BMP facilitator and other advisors about what's happening because one of the many benefits of the program is that, through discussion, it can be tailored to specific approaches that an individual farmer takes in driving for best practice. Otherwise, it is just perplexing rumour-spreading by people who are not part of the program and obviously don't fully understand it.

The final thing I want to emphasise about Smartcane BMP is that, unlike some programs in other industries in the past, no grower data is being accessed by the government. To suggest otherwise is wrong. I know this because all of my farm records are in my home and have not been passed on anywhere. CANEGROWERS believes the best place for farm records is on the farm.

I would urge anyone with questions or concerns to contact the Smartcane BMP team, not rely on rumours.

Smartcane BMP is not the only program in the sugar industry, and it does not seek to be everything to everyone. Still, it is playing a big part in securing our future. It is time everyone in the industry had that same focus and stopped trying to cut down the efforts of others.

$20 Million For Better Facilities to Get More Aussies Outdoors

THE Federal LNP Government has announced an additional $20 million for the successful Recreational Fishing and Camping Facilities Program to encourage more Australians to get outdoors and enjoy fishing, boating and camping activities.

LNP Kennedy Candidate, Bryce Macdonald, praised the additional funding allocation and said from the Coral Sea to the Gulf of Carpentaria, fishing, boating and camping were very popular activities for locals and visitors to the Kennedy electorate.

Mr Macdonald said a large number of North Queenslanders enjoyed their recreation and entertainment outdoors with family and friends, and funding to improve infrastructure for such activities would be welcomed across the Kennedy electorate.

“North Queenslanders love to go fishing, boating and camping. If I’m successful at the coming election, I’ll do my best to secure some of this funding for Kennedy, because I think it will also help the tourism industry recover,” said Mr Macdonald.

“The LNP understands that recreational fishing, camping and boating is part of our lifestyle in the regions, and we should be encouraging people to get out of the air- conditioning, off their mobile phone and away from the computer screen,” he said.

The additional funding would allow more than 100 new projects across Australia’s coastal and regional communities to extend boat ramps, jetties, cleaning stations, disability-accessible toilet blocks, and campground facility upgrades.

With approximately 85 per cent of Australians living within 50 kilometres of the coast, it is estimated that one in five Australians are active recreational fishers and that recreational fishing contributes over $1.8 billion to the national economy every year.

“Recreational fishing has significant economic and regional benefits – it’s good for regional tourism operators, supports local jobs and makes a contribution to the viability of many small and family businesses across the Kennedy electorate”.

“The Federal LNP Government recognises the significant contribution the fishing industry makes to the economy, whether it is through the commercial, recreational or seafood sectors and we want to ensure it is successful for generations to come”.

Mr Macdonald said the prospect of an Albanese Labor Government - which the Greens would heavily influence - was a clear risk to recreational and commercial fishers, as the environmental movement had long sought to shut down the industry.

Commonwealth Government funding for the Recreational Fishing and Camping Facilities Program is administered separately by each State and Territory Government, with funding for successful projects provided directly to local councils.