More shark nets, drumlines, drones outlined in $88m government investment but legality of move questioned
A multi-million-dollar boost to Queensland's shark control — the biggest investment in the program's history — looks to protect beachgoers with "innovative technologies".
But some are questioning if the move is even legal.
Over the next four years, the Queensland government will pour an additional $88.228 million into the Shark Control Management Plan 2025-2029.
It said the new plan "combines proven safety measures like shark nets and drumlines" with new tech including "drone surveillance and whale-deterrent measures", rolling out from July this year and to receive regular maintenance.
"The program includes increased servicing of shark control equipment to 365 days a year, weather permitting," Minister for Primary Industries Tony Perrett said on Sunday.
The minister said the investment was backed by science, however not-for-profit Sea Shepherd Australia described the move as "a dangerous escalation" of the program.
"Today's announcement is big and bold, it puts swimmer safety first," Mr Perrett said.
"I have said time and time again, the best science must inform our actions when it comes to [the Department of Agriculture and] Fisheries."
The investment follows two recent shark-related fatalities in Queensland, after school chaplain Luke Walford was killed while spearfishing at Humpy Island and 17-year-old surf life-saver Charlize Zmuda was injured while swimming at Bribie Island.
Mr Perrett said "striking the right balance between ensuring swimmer safety and maintaining a healthy marine environment" was vital to uphold the reputation of Queensland's $33 billion tourism industry "as a safe place to enjoy some of the best beaches in the world".
The new plan accepted recommendations made by an evaluation of the shark control program, which the government said had consulted marine experts.
"The report found it's likely shark control equipment, such as drumlines and nets, contributed to substantially lower shark attacks where it is operational," the minister's statement said.
More research will be undertaken as part of the plan, including how the control measures impact specific shark species.
However Sea Shepard Australia's Jonathan Clark said the new shark nets and drumlines would present dangers for "countless marine animals" and could also "increase risks to swimmers".
Mr Clark said the minister "is pushing a stone-age 'kill them all' approach that will devastate marine life".
The conservationist was alarmed by the new program, which he said "may breach federal law".
"Under Section 43B(3) of the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999, any enlargement or intensification of the Queensland Shark Control Program could be deemed illegal," Mr Clark said.
When asked if Sea Shepherd Australia would be taking action legal against the Queensland government, he said "it's early days for us yet, but I certainly hope so".
He said two fatalities had occurred near drumlines in Queensland waters over the past five years, describing the equipment as attracting large sharks to shore and therefore increasing risk.
"These lethal methods don't protect people … Minister Perrett is ignoring the science, legal risks, and public safety, while intensifying a program that should have been phased out years ago," Mr Clark said.
"We can absolutely stand by our belief that those devices make beaches less safe — this view has been around for a long time and is supported by data and science.
"We need to have the shark nets removed, the drumlines ultimately have to go, and we have to get into the modern ideas of using that technology such as drones, shark barriers, and really good public education."
Mr Clark said drones and other new technology could be used to phase out older methods.
"We applaud the use of drones and any expansion in the use of drones because they do make beaches safer," he said.
The information provided by drones could help make informed decisions when it comes to entering the water, according to Mr Clark.
"But in effect, it means nothing while the government continues with shark nets and drumlines, and the whole point of developing the non-lethal technologies is to get rid of these antiquated shark culling devices," he said.
Potential locations for the expanded program have been identified based on the presence of Surf Life Saving Queensland, and data indicating a growth in beach use.
The Queensland government has identified seven possible beaches for traditional shark control measures, including:
For the expanded drone program over 2025-2026, six potential locations have been earmarked:
The beaches will now undergo further detailed assessment from "stakeholders and expert scientists", as well as community consultation.
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