SmartShark drones have been introduced at two prominent Sunshine Coast beaches amid a renewed effort to protect swimmers along the Queensland coastline.
Life savers now have a bird’s eye view at Kings and Happy Valley beaches during school holidays, public holidays and weekends, weather permitting.
The new service, which started on Friday, is part of the state government’s investment into swimmer safety across the state, reducing the risk of shark attacks at several beaches with new drumlines, nets and drones.
The drones join a fleet, stationed at key Queensland beaches, to monitor and detect sharks as well as gather data on shark movements and behavior.
Drones will also be permanently based at Alexandra Headland, Coolum North and Noosa Heads beaches, after trials were held at those locations.
Want more free local news? Follow Sunshine Coast News on Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram, and sign up for our FREE daily news email.
Drones provide real-time monitoring and the ability for rapid response to shark sightings and other marine risks.
The drone program is being delivered in collaboration with Surf Life Saving Queensland (SLSQ).
Minister for Primary Industries Tony Perrett said earlier this year that the government was committed to making the drone surveillance program permanent. Twenty beaches across the state will have drone protection by 2027.
“We boosted the investment into the Shark Control Program by 151 per cent, resulting in more than $88 million of additional funding over the life of the plan to return it to its primary purpose – to protect swimmers at select beaches from shark attacks,” he said.
“Not only have we made the SharkSmart drone program permanent but we have also committed to double the number of beaches it covers, from 10 to 20.
“Importantly, 65 per cent of the new investment delivers the non-lethal solutions that have always been a priority and key feature of the strengthened Shark Management Plan 2025-2029.”
Member for Caloundra Kendall Morton said locals and visitors to the town will be able relax at local beaches, knowing they are better protected.
“Including Kings and Happy Valley beaches in the drone program will mean our families are safer but it will also mean we can look out for tourists and visitors who contribute to our local economy,” she said.
“I welcome this investment into our community and acknowledge the great volunteers and lifesavers at Metropolitan Surf Life Saving Club Caloundra and Surf Life Saving Queensland who will play an important role in making our beaches even safer.
“Caloundra has the best beaches in the state and they just got better.
SLSQ Head of Uncrewed Aviation Damien Boyer welcomed the government’s commitment to expanding the SharkSmart Drone Program.
“This investment allows us to further develop our uncrewed aviation capability and introduce enhancements that strengthen coastal safety along even broader stretches of Queensland’s coastline,” he said.
Related stories: Group airs video of dolphin in shark net and Hundreds of sharks in feeding frenzy just offshore and Shark filmed in shallows at popular beach
“By extending our operational reach, we are better positioned to identify hazards in known black spots and deliver on our vision of zero preventable deaths in Queensland waters.”
SLSQ Chief Remote Pilot Rob Adsett said the expansion strengthened the ability to manage shark risk and enhance lifesaving services beyond the red and yellow flags.
“Our pilots have supported patrols and assisted multiple emergency services since the program began, and this investment ensures we can continue to deliver timely, accurate information that helps keep beachgoers safe,” he said.
“It’s a significant step forward in protecting our coastal communities.”
