INDEPENDENT Billy Gordon has rubbished claims by the Katter Australian Party he would help block the upcoming State Budget unless crocodiles are culled in Far North Queensland.

The Member for Cook was responding to reports he was set to join KAP in State Parliament to place culling at the centre of a Budget showdown. The Katter’s were in Port Douglas last Thursday for a public forum discussing crocodile culling, safari shooting and egg harvesting.

"The State Budget deliberations is far too important for anyone to tie it down to a single issue related to the mass killings of reptiles in their natural environment.,” Gordon said.

“I don’t agree with the approach the KAP is taking. It is inconceivable that any elected MP would make their deals on an important Budget, based on our relationship with crocodiles in the wild.

“The idea that cross-benchers, or anyone for that matter, should hold the Government to ransom in passing State Budget over crocodiles is flawed-thinking.”

Gordon said the region prided itself as one of the world’s best natural wonders and he was ‘not going to entertain a policy that destroys that brand’.

He also took a slap at the ‘KAP sponsored meetings’ in Port Douglas and Mareeba, saying he never received an invitation.

“I have my own voice and opinions. I was not privy, so have no comment. I have discussed the matter with councillors from the main Shires with concerns; Mareeba and Douglas, and have noted their views,” Gordon said.“

"There are different views and I remain open to all considerations to get it right. Culling is extreme and could, unintentionally, hurt the decades-old iconic tourism strategy on North Queensland’s unique, natural beauty.”

 
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