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

    •   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.