Katter to support croc 'Go Fund Me' page

KAP State Leader and member for Traeger Robbie Katter has pledged to make the first donation to the Go Fund Me page of the Rockhampton man fined $10,000 for shooting a crocodile.

Today in Rockhampton Court, Luke Orchard was handed a $10,000 fine but had no conviction recorded over the shooting of a monster crocodile near Rockhampton last year.

Mr Katter spoke to Mr Orchard’s father Phil, this afternoon reaffirming the KAP’s commitment to put people before crocs in Queensland while also pledging to support the Go Fund Me page.

“We remain committed to creating safer waterways for Queenslanders,’’ Mr Katter said.

“People have been crying out for help to deal with the expanding crocodile problem. Unfortunately, as a result people are forced to take desperate measures to ensure the safety of themselves and their family and to protect their livelihood.

“This is what happens when the Government doesn’t act.’’

Phil Orchard said his son had been shaken up by the incident and was very remorseful.

“I agree with the Katter’s Australian Party in that some sort of crocodile control should be introduced, not necessarily culling, but something to manage the numbers,’’ Phil Orchard said.

“My son and I go out every day and count the calves, we know we are losing lots of calves to the crocs every year. We see the cows pacing along the river bank bellowing and looking for their calves which have been taken.’’

KAP Member for Hill Shane Knuth, who introduced the Safer Waterways Bill into the previous Queensland Parliament, said he would reintroduce the Bill during the current Parliament.

“It’s disappointing that people feel that the government is doing nothing and frustrating them to a point they are taking matters into their own hands,’’ Mr Knuth said.

“This is state-wide issue and as such should be dealt with by the Queensland Labor Government. We don’t need another study, people want our waterways safe now.’’