Queensland is making its largest-ever investment in shark control, committing $88.228 million over four years to enhance beach safety with new and traditional methods. The Shark Control Management Plan 2025–2029 will integrate established tools such as shark nets and drumlines with innovative solutions like drone surveillance and whale deterrents. The rollout will begin in July and include year-round servicing, weather permitting.
Primary Industries Minister Tony Perrett emphasized that the plan aims to improve safety for swimmers and preserve Queensland’s appeal as a tourist destination. “The program will be guided by science and includes a 365-day maintenance schedule for shark control gear,” he said.
However, the initiative has drawn criticism from conservation groups. Sea Shepherd Australia labeled the expansion a “dangerous escalation,” raising concerns over its impact on marine life and its legality under federal environmental laws.
The plan comes in the wake of two shark-related incidents, including the fatal spearfishing attack on Luke Walford and the death of teenage surf life-saver Charlize Zmuda. A large public turnout at Woorim Beach earlier this year reflected community grief and heightened awareness of the issue.
Minister Perrett stressed the importance of balancing swimmer safety with marine conservation to maintain the state’s $33 billion tourism industry. The plan incorporates findings from a review involving marine experts, which concluded that equipment like nets and drumlines have significantly reduced shark attacks in areas where they are deployed.
The new strategy also includes further research into the ecological impacts of shark control tools. Yet environmental groups, including Sea Shepherd and Miss Earth Australia winner Jessica Lane, argue for non-lethal alternatives and the removal of nets.
Jonathan Clark from Sea Shepherd warned that the expansion might violate the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999, which prohibits program intensification without proper approvals. He criticized the government’s approach as outdated and harmful, suggesting that drumlines may actually attract large sharks closer to shore.
“We need to move toward modern, non-lethal technologies such as drones, physical shark barriers, and public education,” Clark said. “Drones, in particular, provide real-time data and have proven effective at spotting more sharks than are caught in nets.”
The Queensland government has identified several beaches for expansion. Traditional shark control methods may be introduced at seven locations, including Pacific Beach and Coolum North. Meanwhile, the drone surveillance program will be piloted at six beaches such as Rainbow Bay and Agnes Water Main Beach. Final decisions will be made after consultation with scientists, local stakeholders, and the community.
