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THREE-MONTH TRIAL OF ALTERNATE SHARK MITIGATION MEASURES DURING SOUTHERN WHALE MIGRATION · Attachment 3 to the Minutes dated 22-01-2026 - Letter from Mayor to Minister dated 29 July 2025 - QLD 2025 Shark Management Plan
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29 July 2025
Hon Tony Perrett MP
Minister for Primary Industries
Department of Primary Industries
Via email: [email protected]; [email protected]
Dear Minister Perrett
2025 QUEENSLAND SHARK MANAGEMENT PLAN
On behalf of Noosa Council I write to formally request that the Department support a trial of the
temporary removal of shark nets in waters adjacent to the Noosa Local Government Area during
whale migration periods. This proposal reflects Noosa Council’s ongoing commitment to advancing
ecological protection and public safety through adaptive management strategies and evolving
community expectations.
Background
Council acknowledges the important role of the Queensland Shark Control Program (SCP) in
maintaining public safety along the coastline and supports the State’s commitment to a year-round
control regime. At the same time, Council recognises the value of ongoing innovation, localised
trials, and site-specific adaptations. Council does not seek to challenge the Program’s core
objectives but aims to contribute to its continued evolution through a targeted, evidence-based
approach in a location well suited to this purpose.
Council’s experience suggests that public confidence in the SCP is strengthened when the Program
actively explores opportunities for improvement. The 2024 KPMG review identified growing public
support for modernising shark mitigation strategies, particularly where this leads to better ecological
outcomes and reduced risks such as whale entanglements. Recommendation 3.2 of the KPMG
review specifically highlights seasonal net removal as one such opportunity.
Noosa Council is well positioned to partner with the Department to support further exploration of this
proposal for the following reasons:
• Noosa Council continues to support the Queensland Shark Management Plan and public safety
as a priority, in line with our adopted policy position. However, we also advocate for a transition
to lower bycatch alternatives.
• The KPMG review recommended investigating seasonal net removal to reduce whale
entanglements, improve ecological outcomes, and build public trust in the SCP.
• Noosa’s designation as Queensland’s first UNESCO Biosphere Reserve reflects its long-
standing commitment to balancing ecological sustainability with responsible marine use.
ABN 97 969 214 121 PO Box 141
noosa.qld.gov.au Tewantin QLD 4565
[email protected] 07 5329 6500
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Proposal
Council is not proposing a net removal trial in isolation, but as part of a broader discussion that
includes continued use of drumlines, enhanced shark surveillance, SharkSmart awareness
programs, and a strengthened Council partnership with the Department involving education and
consultation.
Noosa Council invites the Department to meet and consider:
1. The feasibility of establishing a seasonal net removal trial in waters adjacent to the Noosa LGA;
2. Opportunities for enhanced collaboration on SharkSmart initiatives and the research, trial and
implementation of lower bycatch alternatives, including trials of seasonal net removal; and
3. No additional shark nets to be deployed in waters adjacent to the Noosa LGA (Peregian Beach).
Closing
The analysis of catch data and shifting public sentiment included in the KPMG report, explicitly and
implicitly supports trialing the removal of shark nets during whale migration season.
Council remains a committed partner to the State government in delivering public safety and
ecological outcomes. We believe that this proposal represents a balanced opportunity consistent
with both the KPMG review and the overall intent of the 2025-2029 Queensland Shark Management
Plan.
Council welcomes the opportunity to discuss the above proposal in greater detail with the
Department.
Yours sincerely
Cr Frank Wilkie
Mayor
ABN 97 969 214 121 PO Box 141
noosa.qld.gov.au Tewantin QLD 4565
[email protected] 07 5329 6500