Noosa locals are planning to rally in Lions Park, Noosa Heads from 11am this Saturday 4 October for a protest march, calling on the Queensland Government to remove shark nets from Noosa Main Beach and invest in modern alternatives.
The event was initiated by Noosa local and teacher Madeleine Boyd, who was appalled by the number of whales becoming dangerously entangled in the nets.
Madeleine said, “I started this because I believe we can do better — for people and for the ocean.”
“Noosa is a community that cares deeply about the environment, and we have the chance to lead the way on smarter, safer shark protection.
“The technology exists, the community is ready, and the moment is now. We don’t have to choose between safety and marine life — we can protect both.”
The State Government has recently tabled a KPMG report into shark control which recommends measures such as a trial removal of shark nets during the whale migration season.
This recommendation is supported by Noosa Council, which passed a mayoral minute to endorse it.
Noosa Mayor Frank Wilkie said the KPMG report and recommendation was a game changer in that it provided an evidence-based approach to protecting both human and marine animal life by phasing out nets in favour of other effective methods.
Surf Life Saving Clubs backed the state government, taking a neutral position on the shark net removal trial. Noosa Boating and Fishing Alliance was against removing the shark nets until community members who spend time in the water “say together we’re all for their removal”.
A Noosa World Surfing Reserve representative said they opposed the shark net trial removal because of a lack of consultation with key stakeholders with council prior to the mayoral minute, the absence of non-bias data based on fact not emotion to enable the reserve to express its decision, and a lack of information on what science-based alternatives would be used instead of nets.
Councillor Joe Natoli from neighbouring Sunshine Coast Council will join Mayor Wilkie and also speak in support of this KPMG report recommendation.
A 2024 survey by Noosa MP Sandy Bolton found more than 75 per cent of residents did not support the use of shark nets at Noosa Main Beach.
During a roundtable discussion of interested community groups in 2023, the working party Oceans for All was formed.
Chairperson for the group Caz Lansdowne said, “Oceans for All represents many groups who all advocate for a safe blue space in the Noosa Biosphere.”
“Shark nets are a placebo that pose risks for marine species and humans alike. It is time that the government put resources into researching safer, effective methods that protect us all.”
Kathleen Swalling is principal of Honu Advisory law firm, specialising in commercial, marine and environmental law and Board Director of Noosa Tourism Board.
She said, “As we lead into the Olympic games, how we act and behave in Queensland will come under greater scrutiny.”
“Noosa is a biosphere, and our waters form part of that biosphere and a World Surfing reserve, our standards must be higher than others. Currently, we have an outdated shark control program that is trapping and killing or injuring whales, dolphins, turtles, rays and sharks. How will this impact our tourism industry and businesses? Is this the image we want to portray to the world?”
Local musicians will also perform in support of the campaign.
Saturday’s program will include (times approximate):
– 11am
Rally begins: Welcome to Country, remarks by MC Tony Wellington and Madeleine Boyd, speeches from Caz Lansdown, Kathleen Swalling, Noosa Mayor Frank Wilkie and Sunshine Coast Councillor Joe Natoli.
– 11:30am
Call to action: Madeleine invites the crowd to get out their phones and email Premier David Crisafulli MP on the spot, urging the government to upgrade to modern shark safety measures.
– Where: Noosa Lions Park, corner of Noosa Drive & Noosa Parade, Noosa Heads followed by march to Hastings St and Noosa Main Beach
– When: Saturday 4 October, 11am – 1pm
