Two Bundaberg Region beaches have been shortlisted for shark safety upgrades under a new Queensland plan that balances swimmer protection with marine conservation.
Elliott Heads and Moore Park Beach are among seven beaches identified as potential candidates in the new state government plan that integrates proven safety measures — such as shark nets and drumlines—across more beaches, while also prioritising innovative approaches including drone surveillance and whale-deterrent technologies.
These locations will now undergo further detailed assessment in consultation with stakeholders, expert scientists and local communities, to ensure their suitability and readiness for implementation.
Selection of these sites was based on several factors, including the presence of Surf Life Saving Queensland (SLSQ) patrols and data showing a consistent rise in beach visitation and recreational use.
The broader plan also includes expanded research into shark populations, with a specific focus on understanding the ecological impact of the Shark Control Program on targeted shark species.
Minister for Primary Industries Tony Perrett said the initiative marked a new chapter for beachgoers across Queensland.
“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,” he said.
“This plan recalibrates to protect people, while ensuring the ocean ecosystem remains healthy and thrives into the future.”
The KPMG Shark Control Program Evaluation Report, developed with input from qualified marine experts, informed key aspects of the new plan.
Its recommendations—focused on maximising human safety—have been formally accepted.
The report concluded that shark control equipment, such as nets and drumlines, has likely contributed to significantly fewer shark attacks in areas where it has been deployed.
More information about the Queensland Shark Management Plan or the Shark Control Program can be found here.
This article leaves out a lot. the kpmg report actually raised legal concerns and strongly recommended removing shark nets during whale migration to reduce entanglements. that’s ignored here. also no mention that daily drumline rebaiting increases fishing effort and bycatch of protected species. nets don’t form a barrier and most shark incidents happen behind them. this reads more like party spin than real journalism. no fact checking on how these things actually work. public deserves better info.
This article is full of factual errors and is really disappointing to read. The KPMG report referenced was largely ignored, except for a few sentences they (DPI/LNP) cherrypicked out of context to support their plan. It reads as more of a puff piece for DPI than actual news or factual reporting. This plan does not follow science or expert advice, and scientific advisors have resigned over this plan being rolled out in conflict with scientific advice. It’s also worth nothing that there was a recent shark bite at Bargara, where the program already operates with 18 drumlines. This program is not about beach safety, it is about political safety.