The Queensland Government has announced its largest investment into Queensland’s Shark Control Program in the State’s history.
The Government has committed to invest an additional $88.228 million over four years into the Shark Control Management Plan 2025-2029 amid sweeping changes to the plan.
It says the new plan – which will commence in July – combines proven safety measures like shark nets and drumlines at more Queensland beaches whilst prioritising innovative technologies like drone surveillance and whale-deterrent measures.
Seven beaches identified as potential candidates for drumlines or nets include:
- Gold Coast: Pacific Beach (net and drumlines), The Spit (drumlines)
- Sunshine Coast: Happy Valley (drumlines), Coolum North (net and drumlines), Peregian North (net and drumlines)
- Wide Bay: Elliott Heads (drumlines), Moore Park (drumlines)
Six locations identified as potential candidates for expansion of the drone program in 2025-2026 include:
- Gold Coast: Rainbow Bay/Greenmount
- North Stradbroke Island: Cylinder Beach
- Sunshine Coast: Mooloolaba
- Moreton Bay: Tangalooma
- Bundaberg: Elliott Heads and/or Moore Park
- Agnes Water: Agnes Water Main Beach
The identified beaches and locations will now be subject to further detailed assessment in conjunction with stakeholders, and expert scientists and further consultation will occur with communities.
These locations have been identified based on Surf Life Saving Queensland (SLSQ) presence and data showing increasing beach use.
“Today’s announcement is big and bold. It puts swimmer safety first, and it’s the largest overhaul of funds this program has seen in over 60 years,” said Minister for Primary Industries, Tony Perrett.
“Under the Crisafulli Government’s plan, more beaches will have more protections in place, there will be more money spent on new technologies and innovation, and more investment in leading research.
“I have said time and time again; the best science must inform our actions when it comes to Fisheries.
“We’re striking the right balance between ensuring swimmer safety and maintaining a healthy marine environment, as well as upholding Queensland’s international tourism reputation as a safe place to enjoy some of the best beaches in the world.
“It’s clear the program had lost its way under previous Labor governments who failed to act and put people after the demands of environmental activists.
“This plan recalibrates to protect people, while ensuring the ocean ecosystem remains healthy and thrives into the future.”
Qualified experts in marine fields were consulted for the KPMG Shark Control Program Evaluation Report. Recommendations from the report which prioritise human safety have been accepted as part of the Crisafulli Government’s new plan.
The report found it’s likely shark control equipment, such as drumlines and nets, contributed to substantially lower shark attacks where it is operational.
More information about the Queensland Shark Management Plan or the Shark Control Program can be found here.
