Several beaches have been identified as potential candidates for drumlines, nets and drone surveillance under the Queensland Government’s funding boost for the Shark Control Program. Photo: Queensland Government.
The Crisafulli LNP Government has declared an $88 million investment in the Queensland Shark Control Program over the next four years, representing the largest cash injection in the scheme’s history.
The funds will go towards safety measures such as shark nets, drumlines, drone surveillance and whale-deterrent programs at Queensland beaches.
Several beaches have been identified as potential candidates for drumlines and nets, such as the Gold Coast, the Sunshine Coast and Wide Bay.
Candidates for expansions of the drone program in 2025-2026 include the Gold Coast, North Stradbroke Island, Moreton Bay, Bundaberg, Agnes Water and the Sunshine Coast.
The government also plans to expand research into the impact of shark control measures on “target” species.
These locations will be subject to further assessment following consultation with stakeholders, expert scientists and the community. The places earmarked for further investment have had increased use in recent years, as indicated by Surf Life Saving Queensland data.
The Queensland Government said the Shark Control Program had drifted from its original purpose – protecting beachgoers.
Surf Life Saving Australia’s annual National Coastal Safety Survey found that across a 12-month period, 16.3 million Australians visited the coast an average of 3.3 times a month, indicating about 600 million individual coast visits over a year.
According to the Taronga Conservation Society, in the past 10 years, there was an average of 20 shark incidents a year where people were injured and an average of 2.8 fatalities a year. According to the same source, in 2023, there were four fatal shark bites in the entire country.
During the same period, 1266 people were killed on Australian roads.
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“Today’s announcement is big and bold. It puts swimmer safety first, and it’s the largest overhaul of funds this program has seen in over 60 years,” Minister for Primary Industries Tony Perrett said.
“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.”
Mr Perrett said the program was intended to protect people, uphold international tourism and maintain a healthy marine environment.
