Qld: Shark safety program to remain unchanged

AAP General News (Australia)
04-19-2006
Qld: Shark safety program to remain unchanged

By Nikki Todd, State Political Correspondent

BRISBANE, April 19 AAP - Shark nets and baited drum lines will remain on Queensland's
beaches after a review of the state's shark safety program found there was no better alternative.

But no nets will be hung in seaside canal estates, despite the deaths of two men from
shark attacks on the Gold Coast in recent years.

The review was sparked following the death of Sarah Whiley, 21, who was killed in a
savage shark attack at Amity Point, North Stradbroke Island, in January this year.

Ms Whiley's death was the first fatal attack on a beach with shark safety measures
in the 44-year history of the program.

A total of 84 beaches in Queensland are currently protected by shark nets or drum lines,
or a combination of the two.

Premier Peter Beattie said today the review underlined the effectiveness of the existing
program, despite the undesirable side effects of killing other marine animals, like whales
and turtles.

"The reality is the nets and the current program is the safest option available at
the moment," Mr Beattie told reporters.

"I know that there will be some in the conservation movement who are not going to be
happy about what happens to whales and to other marine animals like turtles, but the government
has to make a choice.

"It is an ugly choice between people and marine animals and we have chosen people."

However, he said no new nets or drum lines would be introduced without adequate environmental
and threat assessments.

The review also recommended against introducing nets or drum lines into seaside canal
estates, like those on the Gold Coast where two men were killed in separate attacks by
bull sharks in 2002 and 2003.

It found the safety system would offer false assurances to bathers in canals and interfere
with boating and other leisure activities, concluding existing swimming enclosures in
canals were the best option.

Mr Beattie said cabinet had agreed improve shark education programs, shark signage
at beaches and continue the funding of research on alternative technologies.

Drum line baits would also be evaluated to ensure baits attracted sharks and not turtles
and dolphins.

AAP nt/sc/jt/de

KEYWORD: SHARKS

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