THE mystery "giant croc" seen near East Innisfail State School would be captured, removed and relocated to a reptile park under a new Liberal National Party policy.

Mirroring a project used in the Northern Territory, LNP leader Campbell Newman (pictured left) was at Innisfail yesterday to announce the $1.5 million plan that would strengthen controls over crocodiles.

"It firstly involves exclusion, we will try and keep away animals from important areas of the community," Mr Newman said.

"Secondly, a zero tolerance approach so a croc that's been here at Innisfail near the school would have to be removed, and finally, a policy of dealing with problem animals.

"Any animal in an urban area exhibiting aggressive behaviour would have to be removed.

"The wildlife sanctuaries, the crocodile farms, the zoos would be employed by an LNP government to actually take away these problem crocodiles."

The Labor Party also had called for reviews on crocodile management, particularly on new urban developments.

Environment Minister Vicky Darling said under the current policy crocodiles larger than 2m within an urban zone, or posing a threat to people in a non-urban zone, were automatically removed.

"Over the past five years, we have mapped areas around five major population centres – Cairns, Gladstone, Mackay, Rockhampton and Townsville – covering 42,000ha," Ms Darling said.

"However, I want to better utilise the local knowledge councils have about their waterways.

"DERM's crocodile expert panel will also be asked for advice as part of the annual review. If there is a good case to add any new areas as crocodile urban management areas, we will act on that advice."

Cassowary Coast Cr Bill Horsford applauded the efforts of both parties for making crocodile management an election issue.

"In all honesty, I would not want to walk down the (boat) ramp now and stand near the water, such are the numbers of crocs that have been sighted in and around the Johnstone River lately and the size of some of these animals," he said.

"I just think it's absolutely tremendous that the political parties, both of them, are making this an election issue and are coming up with policies that will address this increase in the number and sizes of reptiles in the Johnstone River."

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