Shark control funding boost to increase beach safety in North-East Australia
SYDNEY: The government of Australia's north-eastern state of Queensland has announced a funding boost for its shark control programme to protect beachgoers from attacks, Xinhua reported.
Tony Perrett, Queensland's minister for primary industries, said on Sunday (May 25) that the state government would invest an additional AU$88.2 million (US$57.3 million) into the Shark Control Management Plan for 2025-2029.
He said in a statement that the 2025-2029 plan, which commences on July 1, will combine "proven safety measures" such as shark nets and drum lines with innovative technologies, including drone surveillance and whale deterrent measures.
Hundreds of mesh shark nets are deployed around Australia to entangle sharks and keep them away from popular beaches, while drum lines use baited hooks to attract and capture sharks.
"Today's announcement is big and bold. It puts swimmer safety first," Perrett said.
"We're striking the right balance between ensuring swimmer safety and maintaining a healthy marine environment, as well as upholding Queensland's international tourism reputation as a safe place to enjoy some of the best beaches in the world," he said.
The new funding announcement comes after two fatal shark attacks at Queensland beaches during the 2024-25 summer.
A 40-year-old man died after being attacked by a shark while spearfishing off the central Queensland coast in December and a 17-year-old girl was killed in an attack north of Brisbane in February. - Bernama/Xinhua
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