Original source · versioned page text
THREE-MONTH TRIAL OF ALTERNATE SHARK MITIGATION MEASURES DURING SOUTHERN WHALE MIGRATION · Attachement 4 to the Minutes dated 22-01-2026 - Letter from Minister to Mayor dated 3 Sep 2025 - QLD 2025 Shark Management Plan
Plans and drawings: the text below has words only, no drawings.
The Hon Tony Perrett MP
M LNERING Queensland
Minister for Primary Industries FOR QUEENSLAND Government
1 William Street Brisbane 4000
GPO Box 46 Brisbane
Our ref: CTS 17878/25
Queensland 4001 Australia
Telephone +61 7 3719 7530
Email [email protected]
03 SEP 2U2S
Councillor Frank Wilkie
Mayor, Noosa Shire Council
[email protected]
Dear Councillor Wilkie
Thank you for your correspondence of 29 July 2025 regarding the Queensland Shark
Management Plan 2025-2029.
The Crisafulli Government's Shark Management Plan 2025 to 2029 (the Plan) and increased
investment of an additional $88.2 million into the Shark Control Program represents historic
change, with the single biggest improvement and strengthening of the Program since it
started in 1962.
It sets out how the Crisafulli Government will reduce the risk of shark attacks at specific
beaches across Queensland, putting human safety first. The plan combines proven safety
measures like shark nets and drumlines whilst prioritising research, education, and
innovative technologies like drone surveillance at more beaches.
Prioritising Queenslanders' safety also protects our domestic and international tourism
reputation, with our beaches the envy of the world and the centrepiece of our $33 billion
tourism industry, of which Noosa plays a significant part. I note how important tourism is to
the community you represent and the many small businesses and jobs it underpins.
The Plan sets a clear and strong direction for the future management of the Program, with
human safety central to its operation. Until alternatives are proven effective at reducing the
risk of shark attacks, the Program will continue to use mesh nets and traditional drumlines.
Research and trials into other mitigation devices or strategies will continue. Approximately
60 per cent of the additional funding announced for the Program is for research, trials of new
technology, education, and the SharkSmart drone program.
Priority initiatives under the Plan include:
• shark nets and drumlines will be serviced daily (weather permitting) all year
round (compared to servicing occurring as little as 182 times per year under
the previous government) — this significant investment in Program operations will
ensure equipment is working as effectively as possible. It is anticipated this will
improve identification of and response times for non-target species caught in this
equipment
See the original
The page text is free to read. Viewing or downloading an original file needs an account.
Log in to see the originalFull text of the other 2 pages
Page 2
• shark control equipment optimisation — the location and configuration of shark
control equipment will be optimised which will include expansion to new locations,
ensuring protective measures are deployed where they are needed most. The
expansion of the program is subject to further detailed assessment and consultation
before sites and equipment is confirmed
• sharkSmart drone program — shark-spotting drones will be rolled out to more
beaches, becoming a permanent fixture of Program operations, complementing
traditional measures like nets and drumlines. In collaboration with Surf Life Saving
Queensland, the current trial at 10 beaches, which includes Noosa main beach, will
be expanded to 20 beaches by 2026-27, with an ongoing commitment to explore
innovative solutions to improve the effectiveness of the drone program
• research — population assessments will be delivered for key target shark species
including a scientific evaluation of the impact of the Program. Research into improved
whale deterrent technologies and best practice marine animal release practices will
minimise environmental impacts of the Program during the whale migration period.
The tagging and tracking of target sharks will continue through key research
collaborations to improve our understanding of shark behaviour
• new technology and innovation — the Program will develop and implement a
framework for the systematic identification, trial and assessment of new technologies
and management practices. Catch alert drumlines will be only used where required
under current federal legislation or approvals. Current trials at Cairns, Mackay, and
the Capricorn Coast will continue and expand to other areas within the Great Barrier
Reef Marine Park in accordance with permit requirements
• SharkSmart Education Program — public education will continue through a
refreshed SharkSmart campaign with new strategies to address high-risk activities.
Whale entanglement numbers are low, with more than 40,000 whales expected to travel the
Queensland coastline this year. Over the past five years, an average of eight whales have
interacted with the Program gear each year. This represents less than 0.02 per cent of the
migrating population.
The Crisafulli Government's increased research into improved whale deterrent technologies
and best practice marine animal release will minimise environmental impacts of the Program
during the whale migration season. The Department of Primary Industries (DPI) leads an
experienced team of professionals who are specifically trained to release whales in the event
they are captured by the Program gear.
I welcome the opportunity for DPI to work collaboratively with the Noosa Shire Council on
research and education initiatives; however, nets will not be removed for the winter whale
migration. I reaffirm the purpose of the Program is to reduce the risk of shark attacks at
specific beaches across the state. While the Program will seek to minimise negative impacts
on marine ecosystems, this is not a purpose of the program.
Page 3
More information about the Program and detailed information about the Plan and proposed implementation schedule is available at www.dpi.qld.gov.au/news- media/campaigns/sharksmart. If you require further information, please contact Mr Matt Jensen in my office on 07 3719 7530. Yours sincerely TONY PERRETT MP Minister for Primary Industries Member for Gympie