Croc cull call sparks anger
REBEL federal MP Bob Katter has refused to back down on the call to shoot the suspected Endeavour River killer croc despite sparking national outrage and being branded an idiot.
Mr Katter yesterday told The Cairns Post all problem crocs should be shot after Tuesday's disappearance of Vietnam veteran Arthur Booker, believed to have been taken by a croc while checking crab pots near Cooktown.
The Kennedy MP's comments sparked outrage from readers across the nation, who branded him an idiot and mad hatter who had gone overboard.
But a defiant Mr Katter last night said his critics were uninformed city-slickers and likened them to ancient Egyptians.
"I am not laying awake with worry at the unpleasant things they are saying because these people think crocs are more important than human beings," he said.
"It's like they have a belief system like the ancient Egyptians that used to make human sacrifices to the crocodile God.
"It is a value system that allows animals to tear human beings apart and I also bet that a lot of the criticism is coming from people who live in the concrete jungle."
Mr Katter said crocodile numbers had swelled out of control and shooting problem crocs or crocs big enough to kill a human would restore some balance.
"They are invading our territory and the Government is ordering us out," he said.
"I just cannot believe that a human has been torn to pieces and my critics think it is preferable to culling."
Queensland's Sustainability, Climate Change and Innovation Minister Andrew McNamara said evidence of crocodile numbers did not support Mr Katter's claims numbers had risen dramatically.
He said it was insensitive of Mr Katter to push a political barrow at such a traumatic time.
The state Opposition stopped short of calling for a cull but urged the State Government to revamp its crocodile management plan.
Environment spokesman David Gibson said: "The onus is on the State Government to ensure any crocodiles near populated areas and public facilities are immediately removed and relocated and that the process for doing this does not get bogged down in bureaucracy."
Liberal Senator Ian Macdonald last night said he would also support a crocodile cull.
Share this article
Standing his ground: Kennedy MP Bob Katter is not fazed by criticisms of his views on culling crocodiles.
New Jetstar flights between Cairns and Osaka
THE re-introduction of Jetstar's four weekly direct services to Osaka in Japan and a doubling of flights to Melbourne from April 1 next year are the first significant announcements today by the airline as the result of a new agreement with Cairns Airport.
Kate earns National Pride Medal
INSPIRING young leader and cancer survivor Kate Smith could hardly believe she won a national Pride of Australia medal last night.
Escapee back in custody
BREAKING NEWS: Police have found a man who escaped from police custody at Ravenshoe on Sunday night.
Woman watched boyfriend bash, strip tourist
THE girlfriend of a man accused of raping and attempting to rape two foreign tourists at a Cairns caravan park says she watched him bash and strip one of them then chase after her.
