The Queensland government has announced a substantial investment of nearly $90 million to enhance its shark control management programme, which has sparked criticism from experts and conservation advocates. This initiative involves the installation of additional shark nets and drumlines at seven beaches, stretching from Palm Beach on the Gold Coast to Moore Park in Bundaberg. Additionally, drone surveillance will be expanded to six beaches from Coolangatta to Agnes Waters.
Primary Industries Minister Tony Perrett stated that the previous Labor administration risked Queensland’s tourism reputation by catering to “radical agendas.” He highlighted the significance of maintaining safety in the $33 billion tourism sector, particularly in light of media coverage surrounding shark attacks. “We make no apology for putting human safety first,” he emphasised.
Opposing this action, marine biologist Lawrence Chlebeck from Humane World for Animals warned that expanding the shark control programme might subject it to scrutiny under the federal Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act. This act places restrictions on actions that could affect threatened or endangered species. Although the shark control programme predates the act and was never evaluated under it, Chlebeck cautioned that an expanded programme that continues to significantly impact threatened species could lead to future assessments.
Unlike New South Wales, where shark nets are removed to protect migrating whales, Queensland maintains these nets year-round. Critics assert that the expanded plan fails to consider non-lethal alternatives, despite suggestions for modern methods being presented to the government. Andre Borell, co-founder of Envoy Foundation, described the initiative as a potential “bloodbath”, labelling it a war on sharks and oceanic wildlife.
Environmental scientist Dr Daryl McPhee from Bond University raised concerns about the logistical challenges of the expanded programme. He noted difficulties in operational execution and the inevitability of shark bites occurring despite the measures put in place, while reiterating that the risk of bites would remain low.
Overall, this significant funding increase aimed at shark control management reflects a contentious debate between human safety and wildlife conservation in Queensland, highlighting ongoing tensions regarding environmental impact and public safety measures.