The State Government will spend $88-million expanding Queensland’s shark control program.
On the Sunshine Coast we’re likely to get drumlines at Happy Valley in Caloundra and nets and drumlines at Coolum and Peregian.
Mooloolaba may also get a drone to look for sharks while the extra money will allow drumlines to be baited every day of the year, weather permitting.
There’ll also be more investment into whale deterrent technology and shark research.
The new plan will commence in July.
Minister for Primary Industries Tony Perrett said “this is a fresh start for anyone who loves Queensland beaches, fishers and values our $33 billion tourism industry”.
“The announcement is big and bold and puts swimmer safety first,” Mr Perrett said.
“It’s the largest overhaul of funds this program has seen in over 60 years.
“Under the Crisafulli Government’s plan, 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.
“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.
“This plan recalibrates to protect people, while ensuring the ocean ecosystem remains healthy and thrives into the future, he said.
The government said qualified experts in marine fields were consulted for the KPMG Shark Control Program Evaluation Report.
Meanwhile, conservation group Humane World for Animals said the proposed new program ignores science and will do nothing to improve swimmer safety.
The group said the Queensland government’s expanded Shark Control Program “will amp up the slaughter of sharks, looks like it was written in the 1900’s and flies in the face of conservation science while doing nothing to improve swimmer safety”.
The animal welfare organisation calls it a retrograde and irresponsible approach.
Marine biologist with Humane World for Animals, Lawrence Chlebeck said “there is absolutely no scientific reason to do this”.
“Scientists have long ruled out culling sharks as an effective public safety measure so let’s not pretend this is being done with public safety in mind,” he said.
“If the Queensland Government is serious about public safety, they would be look at the science and invest completely in the modern alternatives that are proven to work.
“The Crisafulli Government will lose its exemption for the Shark Control Program under Australia’s federal environment law if it continues with this proposal to expand lethal shark culling.
“The exemption only continues if the program does not expand or intensify,” he said.
“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,’ Mr Chlebeck said.
The group said last year saw 1,639 animals caught in the program, including 22 whales and dolphins, 37 turtles, and 46 rays.
