Meeting papers

                               NOTICE OF MOTION

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


I hereby notify of my intention to move the following motion at the Ordinary Meeting dated
Thursday, 16 May 2024:


SHARK CONTROL

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 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.



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