MP snaps at Govt over stray crocs

The Katherine Gorge. Photo / Julia Crotty

DARWIN - Crocodiles are making their way into a world-famous tourist attraction because rangers are not being trained in how to catch them, the Northern Territory opposition says.

Two large salties have been hauled from Katherine Gorge in as many months and Willem Westra van Holthe, the local member for Katherine, blames the NT Government.

"I warned the Henderson Government last year that neglecting to train Parks and Wildlife officers how to trap and remove crocodiles would see more saltwater crocodiles making their way into the gorge," Van Holthe said.

"With two saltwater crocodiles pulled out of the gorge since the start of the wet and another known to be lurking, the need for greater effort during the dry season is obvious."

The Country Liberals MP said reports of crocodile sightings also hurt the image of Katherine Gorge, in Nitmiluk National Park.

The spectacular NT tourist attraction has been closed to swimmers and canoers since early December, when wet-season rain flooded the area, making it possible for crocodiles to move between the gorges.

A 3.6-metre saltie was discovered last Wednesday by tour guides in the second gorge and was trapped on Saturday night. Last month a 3m saltie was hauled from the first gorge.

- AAP