Drumlines now back
ALL of Cairns’ beaches are set to have shark control equipment from today, with politicians declaring a “huge win” for swimmers.
Drumlines will return to the water at Ellis Beach, Buchan Point, Palm Cove and Clifton Beach, following negotiations about swimmer safety between the State and Federal governments.
While drumlines were redeployed at Holloways Beach, Trinity Beach and Yorkeys Knob in November, the remaining beaches were left unprotected. Barron River MP Craig Crawford said the decision to have 25 drumlines reinstalled at five local beaches was a “huge win” for swimmers, the tourism industry and workers who inspected the equipment regularly.
“Like many Far North Queenslanders, I was stunned by the implications of the AAT (Administrative Appeals Tribunal) and Federal Court decision,” he said.
“The return of the 25 drumlines off the northern beaches and within the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park is a victory for commonsense and safety.”
In total, 120 drumlines will be reinstated from the Far North to central Queensland, bringing the total number to 203 – the same number in place prior to the Federal Court decision.
Fisheries Minister Mark Furner said restoring the program was made possible after the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority issued an amended permit that took into account workplace health and safety issues.
“We wanted to put our drumlines back in and that is exactly what we are doing, with extra training and new procedures ensuring our contractors can safely comply with the new requirements,” he said. “Contractors will check drumlines regularly and tag, relocate and release tiger, bull and white sharks alive where possible and if it is safe for them to do so.
“Other shark species will be released at the site of their capture.
“If it is unsafe for the contractor, or if there are any animal welfare concerns, sharks will be euthanised.”
Surf Life Saving Queensland Far Northern manager Rob Davidson welcomed any shark control measure that increased the safety of beachgoers. “In Far North Queensland, we support the drumlines being reinstalled,” he said.