As mentioned in our October 2024 Noosa 360 update, an independent review of the Shark Control Program (SCP) was commissioned by the previous government and undertaken by KPMG. This has now been released alongside a surprise announcement by the state government that they are increasing the use of shark nets via the new QLD Shark Control Program (SCP). Given the work within our community to advocate for safe alternatives to shark nets, this decision is deeply disappointing as it contradicts recommendations in the independent review to minimise negative impacts on marine ecosystems, which the report states the SCP’s operations do not currently achieve, and for the trialling of the removal of shark nets during the winter whale migrations season.
In addition to the government’s announcement mentioned earlier and available at https://statements.qld.gov.au/statements/102611, the Minister for Primary Industries has also provided the information below in italics regarding aspects of the Queensland Shark Management Plan 2025-2029:
Target Shark Population Studies: Ongoing assessments and monitoring of key species, providing critical data to inform future decision-making and enhance ecological understanding.
Tagging and Tracking Programs: Continued collaboration with scientific bodies to improve real-time data on shark behaviour and movement.
Innovation Pipeline: A new framework will support the systematic trial and evaluation of emerging technologies, including deterrent devices and smart surveillance systems. The long-term goal is to reduce reliance on traditional nets and drumlines if the new technology is proven effective.
Expanded Drone Surveillance: The SharkSmart done program, run in partnership with Surf Life Saving Queensland, is being scaled from 10 to 20 beaches by 2026-27, delivering real-time, non-invasive shark detection.
Marine Wildlife Protection: Enhanced training and response capabilities for Marine Animal Release Teams (MART) on the Sunshine Coast, Gold Coast, and in Mackay, ensuring the humane rescue of non-target species such as whales and turtles.
Peregian North beach has been identified as a potential location for expansion of the shark control program, which will see drumlines and nets expanded to that location. This location has been shortlisted to be subjected to further detailed assessments in conjunction with stakeholders, and expert scientists and further consultation will occur with the community.
With the above information identifying Peregian Beach North as a potential site for more shark nets, this raises questions given considerable community opposition, and we are seeking from the Minister the rationale for this.
Even though the newly released Shark Control Plan does commit to creating a new framework to trial and evaluate alternative technologies with the goal of reducing reliance on nets, given that the independent review was of the existing program, we are writing to the Minister for Primary Industries to seek further information and will update once a response is received.
Sandy will also continue her efforts to see regular trialling of alternative measures, as well for increased funding and resources for the ‘Innovation Pipeline’ to fast-track the development of new technologies to replace nets currently in use. In addition, to ensure that the number and operations of Marine Animal Release Teams are increased in line with the increase of nets.
We encourage everyone to share their views regarding the SCP to the minister via primaryindustries@ministerial.qld.gov.au and copy to our office via noosa@parliament.qld.gov.au.
Further information
To read the KPMG Shark Control Program Evaluation report, visit www.publications.qld.gov.au/dataset/queensland-shark-control-program/resource/8a8b28f0-a45a-4779-9287-ee8c9f4b0c71
To read the Queensland Shark Management Plan 2025-2029, visit https://www.publications.qld.gov.au/dataset/queensland-shark-control-program/resource/833f5143-055f-4fe2-891a-9a60d0635d73
To view previous updates regarding Sandy’s advocacy on this, please visit Noosa 360 at www.sandybolton.com/?s=shark
For the results of the Noosa MP Survey on shark nets, visit https://www.sandybolton.com/shark-nets-on-noosa-main-beach-noosa-mp-survey-results-april-2024/