Wildlife officers are investigating a sighting report of a crocodile on the banks of the Burnett River in Bundaberg – near the McGills Road boat ramp.
A member of the public reported what they believed to be an estimated three metre crocodile on 15 November 2024.
The person said they observed the crocodile from about ten metres away as it moved out from under a tree, turned to face them, lifted its tail out of the water then submerged.
After remaining at the location for around an hour, the person did not see any further signs of a crocodile again.
Senior wildlife officer Joshua Morris said recent crocodile sighting signs have been installed at the boat ramp and wildlife officers conducted a land-based site assessment.
“They did not observe a crocodile or detect any evidence, such as mud slides that would indicate the presence of a crocodile in the area,” Mr Morris said.
“To further investigate the wildlife officers will conduct a vessel-based spotlight assessment of the river tonight, weather permitting.
“I want to reassure the community that wildlife officers investigate every crocodile sighting report we receive, and we will conduct a thorough investigation into this report.
“We’re asking people in the Bundaberg region to be vigilant around the water during the investigation, which may continue into next week.
“That means keeping your children close and keeping your pets on a lead and away from the water’s edge.
“The Burnett River in Bundaberg is in Zone F – atypical crocodile habitat under the Queensland Crocodile Management Plan.
“Crocodile sightings are rare in those areas and any crocodile detected would be targeted for removal from the wild.
“Croc Country begins at the Boyne River south of Gladstone, and extends northward, up the east coast and across far north and northwest Queensland. Occasionally, vagrant crocodiles are found outside typical areas of crocodile habitat.
“In 2013 and 2014, two large crocodiles were removed from the Mary River, and they remain the last estuarine crocodiles confirmed outside of Croc Country at the southern end of their range.
“People in the wider Bundaberg region are encouraged to report all potential crocodile sightings and provide information about the location, behaviour and estimated size of a crocodile.”
Crocodile sightings can be reported by using the QWildlife app, completing a crocodile sighting report on the DETSI website, or by calling 1300 130 372. The department investigates every crocodile sighting report received.
