Morning Swim Turns into Terrifying Crocodile Encounter
A young man has suffered serious injuries after being attacked by a crocodile while swimming in a far north Queensland creek. The 26-year-old was taking a morning swim in Palm Creek at Victoria Plantation, near Ingham, when the reptile struck.
The terrifying incident left the victim with significant puncture wounds to his lower back, upper legs, and hand. Emergency services were called to the scene, and the man was transported to hospital, where he remains in a stable condition.
Local Concerns Rise Amid Increased Crocodile Activity
The attack has heightened existing fears in the community, with locals reporting a noticeable increase in crocodile sightings in the area recently. In a chilling prelude to the attack, one large crocodile was reportedly spotted lurking behind homes just days before the incident.
This event is the latest in a string of crocodile encounters in far north Queensland, where the animals are a protected species. The frequency of such incidents continues to fuel debate about human safety and wildlife management in the region.
Political Reaction: Katter Renews Call for Crocodile Cull
The attack has prompted a swift and forceful political response. Federal MP for Kennedy, Bob Katter, has seized on the incident to repeat his longstanding demand for a crocodile cull in the region.
Expressing frustration, Katter argued for local control over the issue. "That's really all we're saying. Can't we go for a swim? But we can't now," he said. "It's been taken off us by people that live 3000 kilometres away are telling us what we can and can't do."
His comments underscore the deep-seated tension between conservation policies set by distant governments and the daily realities faced by residents in crocodile country.
The community near Ingham is now on high alert, with authorities reminding everyone to be crocwise in and around waterways. This means adhering to safety signs, avoiding swimming in known crocodile habitats, and never letting children play near the water's edge.
