Shark Control

ORDINARY MEETING                                                                          16 MAY 2024


                                  NOTICE OF MOTION

SUBMITTED BY COUNCILLOR:                    Cr Amelia Lorentson
COUNCIL MEETING:                            Ordinary Meeting, 16 May 2024

5.1 SHARK CONTROL
That Council requests the Chief Exive Officer to prepare a report for an upcoming Council Meeting
addressing the following key issues:
     1. Role and Policy Decision: The report should clearly outline the Council’s role and policy
        position on the State government’s Shark control program, the use of shark nets and
        drumlines, including any ongoing and future trials.
     2. Advocacy and Support to the State: The Council recognises the importance of advocating
        for and supporting matters that are significant to our community. The Chief Executive Officer
        is requested to identify and articulate these matters in the report. This may include, but is not
        limited to the following:
     •    Continued advances in reporting: In its role as an advocate, Council supports the
          importance of transparent reporting from the State government regarding the effectiveness
          of shark nets and drumlines noting the annual catch data is provided on the State government
          website. It urges the consideration of further improvements to data reporting including which
          side of the nets marine species are caught on, to evaluate the shark control program’s
          efficacy and therefore minimise impacts on non-target species, and GIS mapping with
          interactive maps to improve clarity and provide a more comprehensive understanding of the
          data.
     •    Investigation of temporary net relocation during specific periods: Council requests the
          State government to provide advice and explore the feasibility of temporarily relocating shark
          nets at Laguna Bay to a location that may mitigate the risk of by-catch and/or whale issues
          during the upcoming whale migration period. It is noted that DAFs Marine Animal Release
          Teams have just completed their annual training and whale alarms will be going on the nets
          during the next changeover.
     •    Continuous Evaluation of Technological Advancements: The Council advocates for the
          State government to continually evaluate the latest technological advancements in shark
          protection devices. The report should outline other possible recommendations on new
          technologies for consideration by the State government such as the Shark Safe Barriers’
          model of electronic current deterrence developed in South Africa in terms of its cost-
          effectiveness and success rate.
Noosa Council extends an invitation to the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries (DAF) to present
their findings on the Shark Control Program. This presentation could be a valuable addition to the
Council report, providing comprehensive insights into the effectiveness and impact of the program.
The DAF’s expertise and firsthand experience with the Shark Control Program would offer a unique
perspective, potentially highlighting areas of success and identifying opportunities for improvement
for consideration by the Councillors.




ATTACHMENTS
1.       2024-05-16 Notice of Motion - Cr Amelia Lorentson - SHARK CONTROL