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THREE-MONTH TRIAL OF ALTERNATE SHARK MITIGATION MEASURES DURING SOUTHERN WHALE MIGRATION · Attachment 6 to the Minutes dated 22-01-2026 - Letter to Mayor from Minister dated 16 Dec 2025 - Qld Shark Management
The Hon Tony Perrett MP
Minister for Primary Industries
,SLIVERING
FOR QUEENSLAND
Queensland
Government
1 William Street Brisbane 4000
Our ref: CTS 25145/25 GPO Box 46 Brisbane
Queensland 4001 Australia
Telephone +61 7 3719 7530
Email [email protected]
16 DEC 2025
Councillor Frank Wilkie
Mayor
Noosa Shire Council
[email protected]
Dear Councillor Wilkie
Thank you for your correspondence of 20 November 2025 regarding the Queensland Shark
Control Program (the Program) and a shark net removal trial in the Noosa Council area.
As you would be aware from previous correspondence from my office, earlier this year the
Crisafulli Government announced the Queensland Shark Management Plan 2025-2029
(the Plan) with an increased investment of $88.2 million into the Program. This represents
historic change, with the single biggest improvement and strengthening of the Program since
it started in 1962.
The Plan 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) while prioritising research, education, and
innovative technologies, like drone surveillance at more beaches.
The Plan and increased investment into the Program is being delivered following the
Government's consideration of recommendations from the KPMG Shark Control Program
Evaluation Report (the Report). The Report concluded that there was an ongoing need for
the Program and found that the implementation and operation of traditional drumlines and
nets likely contributed to substantially lower shark attack incidences at Queensland beaches
where the gear is operational.
A mix of strategies is considered the most effective approach to reduce the risk of shark
attack. Noosa's main beach is already a location for our SharkSmart drone program, which
is delivered in partnership with Surf Life Saving Queensland. Although drones are an
effective shark spotting tool, they are only effective during operating hours and when
conditions are suitable. Analysis of historic shark catch in the Program shows that drumlines
are more effective at catching tiger sharks, nets are more effective at catching bull sharks,
and both equipment types are similarly effective at catching white sharks.
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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 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. This year we have increased research into improved whale deterrent technologies and best practice marine animal release techniques to minimise environmental impacts of the Program during the whale migration season. I understand that whale entanglements may be distressing for some people, however I am pleased to advise that all whales involved in entanglements with shark nets in Queensland this year were successfully released alive. The Department of Primary Industries hears from many people with wide-ranging opinions about the Program and welcomes the opportunity to engage in discussions about the Queensland Government's approach to mitigating risk. However, we will not be removing shark nets at this time. 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