IN RESPONSE to the recent marine life entanglements in shark netting off the coast in South East Queensland, a group of several hundred concerned people gathered in Noosa Heads on Saturday, October 4, to voice their frustration and to call on the Queensland State Government to remove the nets.

Speakers addressed the crowd at Noosa Lions Park, before a peaceful march to Noosa Main Beach and with the long weekend and school holiday crowds in large numbers, the protest, which was approved by both Council and Police, did not go unnoticed.

Conservationists are asking for there to be a move away from old-fashioned shark nets, and towards improved measures that better protect people while doing more to minimise harm to wildlife.

Madeleine Boyd, one of the organisers of the rally, told those in attendance that shark nets do more harm than good.

“Most of what’s caught in these nets is harmless. That is not safety, that’s cruelty.”

Oceans for All working group lawyer and Board Director of Tourism Noosa, Kathleen Swalling, said that there was a responsibility to do more.

“In the lead-up to the Olympic Games, we need to remember that we have international obligations in relation to marine life.

“From the Sunshine Coast to the Fraser Coast, we have seen nine high-profile entanglements in ten days. Two of those were right here in Noosa, first with a mother and baby calf whale, and then a dolphin which got caught in the net and drowned.”

Ms Swalling outlined alternatives that could be used.

“I’d like to see a transition to alternatives such as SMART drum lines that allow us to tag potentially dangerous sharks, release them and then track them so that when they are near populated areas, we can adjust our behaviour in those areas.”

MC Tony Wellington and former Noosa Mayor also spoke on the day.

“The shark control program is a product of State Government legislation, not local government. We’re fortunate here to have a local council that wants to do something about this issue.

“The Crisafulli Government recently allocated an additional $88 million towards their shark control program, and that will include the rollout of more shark netting, including in Noosa Shire.”

The rally also addressed the findings of the KPMG report into Queensland’s Shark Control Program (QSCP,) which was commissioned by the Queensland State Government.

Noosa Mayor Frank Wilkie reiterated one of the findings from the report, which recommends the trial removal of shark nets during whale migration months.

“The report studied shark control programs in other states and countries and said Queensland was the only jurisdiction where shark nets remain in the water during whale migration season.

“Noosa Council stands ready, alongside an alliance of businesses, swimming, surfing, community, scientific and environmental groups, to support the state government in trialling removal of nets during whale migration season.”

Sunshine Coast Councillor Joe Natoli also spoke in support of the move and made it a priority to be at the rally.

“I drove all the way from Brisbane today to be here to support Frank and Noosa Council. Congratulations, Frank, on your mayoral minute and resolution to ask the State Government to remove the nets.”

Addressing the crowd, Mr Natoli said that it was likely up to the community to bring about change, which was the case in Western Australia and in NSW.

“It’s up to you to go out there and be the advocates… and convince other people that shark nets do not give you total protection.”