A local council will ask the state government to conduct a trial replacing shark nets with smart drumlines or other non-lethal technologies that allow for the safe passage of migrating whales.
Noosa Council yesterday voted unanimously on the proposal, which is intended to begin during this winter’s whale migration period.
Councillor Amelia Lorentson’s motion asks that the council write to the Minister for the Environment and Tourism asking for a three-month trial of the technology.
Noosa Main Beach is proposed as the trial location.
“This trial should apply specifically to the southern migration period when whales, including vulnerable calves, are travelling south and when the majority of entanglements are known to occur,” the motion said.
Cr Lorentson’s notice of motion said the annual whale migration was a significant natural event for the region.
“Traditional shark nets present a known entanglement risk to whales, particularly during the southern migration when mothers and calves are travelling south and spend more time closer to shore,” it stated.
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“Entanglements cause significant stress and distress to the animals and can result in serious injury or death. These incidents are traumatic not only for the whales but also for the community members and responders who witness or are involved in rescue efforts.
“It is also important to recognise that whales in distress due to entanglement can attract sharks to the area, which may paradoxically increase, rather than reduce, risk to beachgoers. This raises legitimate questions about the effectiveness of static nets as a safety measure during peak whale movement periods.
“Council acknowledges and respects the state’s strong emphasis on protecting beach users and maintaining public safety. This motion does not seek to weaken those protections, but rather to encourage the use of modern, evidence-based approaches that better balance human safety with animal welfare and environmental responsibility.
“Smart drumlines and other contemporary technologies are more targeted, enable rapid response and monitoring, and significantly reduce bycatch and harm to non-target species.”
In 2025, the council requested that the minister consider a trial of alternative shark mitigation measures, with Noosa nominated as a suitable trial location, but the minister refused.
“Since that correspondence there has been further consultation and discussion across local government, including through the Local Government Association of Queensland, where a majority of councils have supported the investigation and use of alternative, non-lethal mitigation measures. This motion reflects that evolving position and renewed support for a carefully scoped, time-limited trial,” the notice stated.
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“Limiting this request to a three-month trial period, rather than the full season, provides a balanced and proportionate approach. It allows the state to evaluate the effectiveness of modern technologies during the highest-risk period for whale entanglements, while maintaining a strong focus on beach safety.
“Proposing Noosa Main Beach as a trial location provides an opportunity for the state to test and assess these technologies in a high-use, high-visibility environment. Advocating for updated mitigation approaches demonstrates leadership in sustainable coastal management and reflects council’s commitment to protecting marine life while continuing to prioritise the safety of residents and visitors alike.”
The motion prompted a lengthy and at-times passionate discussion after Mayor Frank Wilkie twice proposed amendments to Cr Lorentson’s original notice.
Cr Wilkie initially proposed to add “to formulate a range of advocacy strategies not limited to letter writing to achieve the objective of a trial for shark net removal during whale migration season” to the motion, which was rejected in a 4-3 vote.
He then proposed to change his amendment to say “councillors discuss a range of advocacy methods” instead of “formulate a range of advocacy strategies”, prompting Cr Lorentson to respond.
“We are re-prosecuting an amendment that has just been voted against,” she said.
The second amendment was also rejected 4-3.
The debate came days after a 12-year-old boy was left fighting for life after being mauled by a shark in Sydney’s eastern suburbs.
Sunday’s attack was the first of four shark bites within three days in NSW, triggering widespread community concern and beach closures.
