Ms SACILOTTO - 2008-02-14
Can you update the House on the Territory’s crocodile industry?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for Port Darwin for her question. Crocodiles have great cultural, social and economic significance for Territorians. They are a Territory icon, and people come from all over the world with the hope of catching a glimpse of one in the wild, or of handling a baby crocodile at one of our crocodile farms. The Territory government is committed to working closely with stakeholders to take the industry forward. Our crocodile industry has the potential to grow into the future on the national and international market.
Territory crocodile farms have already supplied tanneries in Europe, where NT crocodile skins are highly sought after. Tonight, I will be meeting representatives of the fashion label Hermes of Paris who are in town to learn more about the industry and see firsthand how crocs are caught and farmed. An Hermes handbag made of Northern Territory crocodile skin is valued at $250 000. While I might be asked to spring one for a significant anniversary like the 15th coming up, I do not think I will ever be in the market to provide my wife with one of those. I thought I might just get that on the record now.
Northern Territory crocodile skins are certainly popular, and I understand that Eric Clapton has his guitar case made out of NT crocodile skin.
The economic rewards of our croc industry will benefit all Territorians, including local businesses through the supply of crocodile skins, and tourism operators with the increased number of visitors that can be expected. We have seven crocodile farms in the Territory. Three of these target the tourism market, three are hatcheries and sell live young animals to other farms within the Territory, and four farms produce skin and meat. The farms rely on catching, breeding and wild harvest of eggs to increase stock numbers.
Our crocodile relocation program plays a major role in monitoring croc numbers in the harbour and removing crocs caught in traps – 237 were removed last year. I acknowledge the great work that Tommy Nichols and Risky do on getting those crocodiles out of there. These crocs usually become farm breeders, particularly the females, as part of the farm catching breeding program. Crocodiles are magnificent creatures and this government is committed to ensuring that the industry grows to benefit all Territorians.
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for Port Darwin for her question. Crocodiles have great cultural, social and economic significance for Territorians. They are a Territory icon, and people come from all over the world with the hope of catching a glimpse of one in the wild, or of handling a baby crocodile at one of our crocodile farms. The Territory government is committed to working closely with stakeholders to take the industry forward. Our crocodile industry has the potential to grow into the future on the national and international market.
Territory crocodile farms have already supplied tanneries in Europe, where NT crocodile skins are highly sought after. Tonight, I will be meeting representatives of the fashion label Hermes of Paris who are in town to learn more about the industry and see firsthand how crocs are caught and farmed. An Hermes handbag made of Northern Territory crocodile skin is valued at $250 000. While I might be asked to spring one for a significant anniversary like the 15th coming up, I do not think I will ever be in the market to provide my wife with one of those. I thought I might just get that on the record now.
Northern Territory crocodile skins are certainly popular, and I understand that Eric Clapton has his guitar case made out of NT crocodile skin.
The economic rewards of our croc industry will benefit all Territorians, including local businesses through the supply of crocodile skins, and tourism operators with the increased number of visitors that can be expected. We have seven crocodile farms in the Territory. Three of these target the tourism market, three are hatcheries and sell live young animals to other farms within the Territory, and four farms produce skin and meat. The farms rely on catching, breeding and wild harvest of eggs to increase stock numbers.
Our crocodile relocation program plays a major role in monitoring croc numbers in the harbour and removing crocs caught in traps – 237 were removed last year. I acknowledge the great work that Tommy Nichols and Risky do on getting those crocodiles out of there. These crocs usually become farm breeders, particularly the females, as part of the farm catching breeding program. Crocodiles are magnificent creatures and this government is committed to ensuring that the industry grows to benefit all Territorians.
Last updated: 09 Aug 2016