DAF Shark Control Program - Recommended Council Policy Position · Report

GENERAL COMMITTEE MEETING                                                            17 JUNE 2024


                                                                      Funds to purchase equipment
                                                                      and materials to enable Noosa
                                                                      Council to undertake initial
                                                                      response to whale stranding
                                                                      events under the NCA. In-turn,
                                                                      mitigating shark risks to ocean
 Marine animal (whale) stranding   $12,500                            users during strandings. Note
 response (site containment and                      Replacement of   the Senior Wildlife Officer
 preparation of carcass for        (24/25 budget     used materials   would be responsible for the
 removal)                          proposal)                          programs coordination. It is
                                                                      noted that beyond the
                                                                      equipment and resources
                                                                      required for Council to respond
                                                                      to a stranding, contractor fees
                                                                      for carcass removal will also
                                                                      apply.

                                                                      The design and install of
                                                                      approximately 15 advisory
 Dangerous    marine     animal                                       signs in key public use areas
 stranding advisory signage –      Nil               $15,000          surrounding            Noosa
 Noosa Waters canal system                                            Waters. Note that this activity
                                                                      will require staff resources
                                                                      from ES and IS.


Risk & Opportunities
Scenario 1: Council does not adopt a clear policy position of the DAF SCP.
Potential Risk: Negative environmental community perception - Council may be seen to exclude
marine life from our environmental values within Noosa Shire. Having no policy position on the SCP
does not align with a number of themes within the Noosa Environment Strategy.
Opportunity: A clear policy position would enable Council to effectively support DAF in future
SharkSmart and alternative bite mitigation trials. Council would also be able to effectively address
and respond to community requests regarding Council's position and pro-active, positive
involvement in the SCP.

Scenario 2: Council does not consider to adequately fund or resource marine animal stranding
response.
Risk: Council in unable to adequately contain and prepare a carcass for removal. Council also has
a delayed response time and incurs significantly higher contracted costs, negative media attention
and poor community outcomes. The presence of whale carcasses on beaches almost always results
in the presence of large sharks within the surf zone, and an ineffective and delayed response may
pose a significant liability risk to Council regarding human safety.

Scenario 3: Council does not investigate the suitability of dangerous marine animal advisory
signage at Council managed canal systems.
Risk: Noosa Council does not align with other South East Queensland Council's in this area.
Potential liability risks may occur to Council in the event of a negative public interaction with a
dangerous marine animal within Council managed canal systems. Council may choose align the
signage investigation with the outcomes of the Bull Shark Study currently occurring within the Noosa
River.




Consultation