The State Government’s announcement last week to invest more than $88 million over four years into a Shark Control Management Plan that expands the use of nets and drum lines on beaches including Peregian has been met with deep concern from Noosa MP Sandy Bolton and animal welfare organisations.
The government says the new plan which will commence in July combines proven safety measures like shark nets and drumlines at more Queensland beaches whilst prioritising innovative technologies like drone surveillance and whale-deterrent measures. It also includes expanded research into shark populations, including into the impact of the Shark Control Program (SCP) on target shark species.
Primary Industries Minister Tony Perrett said the plan puts swimmer safety first, more beaches will have more protections in place, there will be more money spent on new technologies and innovation, and more investment in leading research.
“I have said time and time again; the best science must inform our actions when it comes to Fisheries,” he said.
“We’re striking the right balance between ensuring swimmer safety and maintaining a healthy marine environment, as well as upholding Queensland’s international tourism reputation as a safe place to enjoy some of the best beaches in the world.”
The government said recommendations from the KPMG Shark Control Program Evaluation Report (an independent review of the Shark Control Program, commissioned by the previous government and undertaken by KPMG) were accepted as part of the new plan.
Ms Bolton reported on her Noosa 360 site that “given the work within our community to advocate for safe alternatives to shark nets, this decision is deeply disappointing as it contradicts recommendations in the independent review to minimise negative impacts on marine ecosystems, which the report states the SCP’s operations do not currently achieve, and for the trialling of the removal of shark nets during the winter whale migrations season”.
RSPCA Queensland has expressed “deep concern”, warning that the move to expand the SCP will result in increased suffering and death for Queensland’s marine wildlife.
In 2024 alone, the program’s shark nets and drumlines captured 1,639 marine animals, including dolphins, turtles, rays, whales and non-target shark species. Of these, more than 980 died, often from drowning or severe injuries sustained after entanglement.
“These animals are not just numbers, they are sentient beings who experience pain, fear and distress,” said Rachel Woodrow, RSPCA Queensland’s Head of Policy and Advocacy. “Many die slow, painful deaths after becoming trapped in shark nets and drumlines.”
The RSPCA said the government’s announcement comes despite findings of the independent review by KPMG, which noted that bycatch mortality had increased under the current program. The review concluded that the existing shark control equipment “falls short of desired ecosystem goals” and recommended that alternative strategies be explored to reduce environmental harm.
The RSPCA says shark nets provide a false sense of security. “These devices are not physical barriers. Sharks can swim around or beneath them, and yet they continue to kill marine life indiscriminately, including protected species that pose no threat to humans,” Ms Woodrow said.
The SCP currently operates under exemptions from both Queensland’s Animal Care and Protection Act and the federal Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act (EPBC Act). RSPCA Queensland has raised concerns that expanding the program may push these exemptions beyond their original intent.
Humane World for Animals marine biologist Lawrence Chlebeck said scientists have long ruled out culling sharks as an effective public safety measure and accused the government of pandering to the fishing industry and playing politics.
“Despite what Tony Perrett says, let’s not pretend this is being done with public safety in mind,” he said. “We know that Queensland’s fishing industry has lobbied the Crisafulli Government over sharks stealing their fish. If the Queensland Government is serious about public safety, they would look at the science and invest completely in the modern alternatives that are proven to work.”
Chlebeck also raised the threat to the government of losing their exemption for the Shark Control Program under Australia’s federal environment law if they continue with their proposal to expand lethal shark culling.
“That exemption only continues if the program does not expand or intensify. The Queensland Government is simply playing politics. They know they’ll lose the fight legally, but they are making a show of being supportive to the fishing industry. It’s a complete waste of time and a thinly veiled ruse,” he said.
It is also playing politics with a very sensitive public safety and conservation issue, according to Chlebeck.
“The removal of apex predators from the food chain can cause an ecological collapse—known as a trophic cascade—where the natural populations of other species either explode or disappear as the predator/prey balance is distorted,” he said.
“The Queensland coast is already home to fragile World Heritage marine ecosystems.”
Ms Bolton said she was writing to the Minister to seek further information and the rationale behind identifying Peregian Beach North as a potential site for more shark nets, given the community’s considerable opposition.
