THREE-MONTH TRIAL OF ALTERNATE SHARK MITIGATION MEASURES DURING SOUTHERN WHALE MIGRATION · Attachment 2 to the Minutes dated 22-01-2026 Attachment to the Notice of Motion 10.1 - Cr Lorentson - SAMPLE LETTER

ATTACHMENT to Item 10.1 NOTICE OF MOTION – CR LORENTON - THREE-MONTH TRIAL OF
ALTERNATE SHARK MITIGATION MEASURES DURING SOUTHERN WHALE MIGRATION


SAMPLE WORDING FOR LETTER to the Minister for consideration - prepared by Cr Lorentson:

Dear Minister,

Thank you for your previous correspondence regarding Council’s request for a trial of alternative




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shark-mitigation technologies. Council appreciates the time taken to consider our earlier proposal,
and we respect the advice provided in your response.




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In light of that advice, Council has refined its position and now seeks your consideration of a more
targeted, time-limited trial specifically aligned with the southern whale migration period. This
request is materially different from our earlier full-season proposal and responds directly to the
concerns raised in your correspondence.

Council respectfully asks that the Queensland Government consider a three-month trial limited




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solely to the 2026 southern migration period, replacing traditional shark nets with smart
drumlines or other contemporary mitigation technologies at Noosa Main Beach. This is not a
full-season request. It is a short, focused trial confined to the months when mothers and calves
travel closest to shore and when entanglement risk is at its highest. This refined scope ensures the
trial remains proportionate, evidence-based and aligned with the State’s priority of protecting human
life.

Human life and swimmer safety remain Council’s highest priority. The proposed trial seeks to
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balance that priority with the need to reduce entanglement risks and support the safe passage of
migrating whales. Modern technologies offer targeted monitoring, rapid response capability and
significantly reduced bycatch, and are increasingly being explored by other coastal councils across
Queensland and interstate.

Independent scientific analysis supports this direction. The Cardno Report (2019) found that
replacing the two nets at Noosa with additional drumlines “could potentially maintain catches of the
three most dangerous target shark species whilst reducing captures of other sharks and bycatch by
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approximately 97%.” This demonstrates that drumlines can maintain safety outcomes while
substantially reducing harm to non-target species.
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The Department of Primary Industries also outlines several measures already in place to minimise
impacts of shark-control equipment on marine animals, including: • regular contractor checks and
release of non-target species whenever possible • using drumlines instead of nets where feasible,
as marine mammals are less likely to become entangled • deploying pingers to deter whales and
dolphins • trialling alternative baits and hook types to reduce bycatch.
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These strategies further support the suitability of drumlines as a safer, more modern mitigation tool
during peak whale-migration months.

Council values its constructive relationship with the Queensland Government and brings this refined
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request forward in that spirit. We would welcome the opportunity to work collaboratively with your
department to support a carefully scoped trial that contributes to the evidence base for future
shark-mitigation approaches.

Thank you again for your consideration. We look forward to continuing to work together to protect
both beach users and marine wildlife along our coastline.

Yours sincerely,

Cr Amelia Lorentson Noosa Shire Council