Minjerribah crocodile investigation

Issued: 18 Jan 2023

The Department of Environment and Science (DES) is investigating reports of a crocodile on Minjerribah (Stradbroke Island).

The crocodile sighting on Minjerribah is extremely unusual. Minjerribah is not considered to be typical crocodile habitat.

Croc country, considered to be typical crocodile habitat, begins at the Boyne River south of Gladstone, and extends northward, up the east coast and across far north Queensland.

Rangers from the Quandamooka Yoolooburrabee Aboriginal Corporation received a report of what they believed to be an estimated three metre crocodile near Myora Springs, just north of Dunwich on 18 January 2023.

Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service rangers are at Minjerribah now to confirm the sighting report. Rangers will conduct vessel-based searchers and use a drone to search the area.

Crocodile warning signs will be installed at boat ramps while the investigation is underway.

Visitors and residents on Minjerribah are urged to stay away from Myora Springs for safety reasons, and to allow rangers to complete their investigation.

The investigation will identify if a crocodile is present on Minjerribah.

Under the Queensland Crocodile Management Plan, Minjerribah is in Zone F (Atypical Habitat Zone).

This means that any crocodile confirmed to be present on Minjerribah, regardless of size, is targeted for removal from the wild.

Members of the community can report crocodile sightings by using the Qwildlife app.