Meeting minutes

ORDINARY MEETING MINUTES                                                         16 MAY 2024


                   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.

            Amendment
            Moved:         Cr Frank Wilkie
            Seconded:      Cr Brian Stockwell
            That:
                Item 1 be amended to read: "1. Role and Policy Decision: The report
                  should clearly outline the Council’s role and recommend a policy position
                  on the State government’s Shark control program, the use of shark nets
                  and drumlines, including any ongoing and future trials."
                the following sentence be deleted: "Noosa Council extends an invitation
                  to the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries (DAF) to present their
                  findings on the Shark Control Program." and
                the following sentence be added after dot point 3: "It be agreed that
                  advocacy to the State on any aspect of the Shark Control Program or
                  resolution on a Council position on shark nets not occur until Noosa
                  Councillors have had a presentation from the Department of Agriculture
                  and Fisheries (DAF) on the Shark Control Program."
            Carried unanimously.

            Council Resolution
            Moved:            Cr Amelia Lorentson
            Seconded:         Cr Jessica Phillips
            That Council requests the Chief Executive 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 recommend a 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: