Queensland Government Expands Controversial Shark Culling Program Despite Widespread Opposition

June 18, 2025

In a move that defies scientific evidence, public opinion, and independent expert advice, the Queensland LNP Government has announced a significant $88 million expansion of the state’s controversial shark culling program.

Under the plan, the Crisafulli Government will increase the use of shark nets and baited drumlines across more beaches, and intensify operations by re-baiting daily instead of every two days—an effort clearly aimed at catching and killing more sharks.

However, these lethal measures are indiscriminate. In 2024 alone, 1,639 animals were caught in the program. Fewer than half were targeted shark species. The toll included 22 whales and dolphins, 37 turtles, and 46 rays—with more than 980 animals dying as a result.

Expanding these outdated and harmful practices will only lead to more unnecessary deaths of marine life, without making our beaches safer for swimmers.

We’re urging Federal Environment Minister Murray Watt to step in. He has the authority to review and intervene under the EPBC Act—and he must act now to protect our marine ecosystems and the safety of beachgoers.

Please add your voice by sending him a quick email using the form below. While we’ve provided a suggested message, we strongly encourage you to use your own words for greater impact. If you prefer to contact him directly, his email is: [email protected]

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Dear Minister Watt,

I am writing to express my deep concern regarding the Queensland Government’s recently announced $88 million expansion of its shark control program. This move represents a significant intensification of lethal shark mitigation efforts and poses a serious threat to marine biodiversity, with questionable benefits for swimmer safety.

The expanded rollout of shark nets and baited drumlines—along with increased re-baiting frequency—is not a minor operational update. It constitutes a clear expansion, enlargement, and intensification of the program’s culling effort.

As such, this development breaches the "grandfathering" provision under Section 43B of the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation (EPBC) Act, which Queensland has historically relied upon to avoid federal assessment. The program no longer qualifies as an existing activity under the original terms. It now demands thorough scrutiny.

The ecological cost of these lethal methods is unacceptable. In 2024, the Queensland shark control program captured 1,639 marine animals, fewer than half of which were the target shark species. Tragically, the program killed more than 980 animals, including whales, dolphins, turtles, and rays—many of them protected species.

This policy expansion flies in the face of scientific evidence, public sentiment, and recommendations from independent experts. There is no credible evidence that these outdated practices significantly improve human safety at our beaches. Meanwhile, they continue to inflict irreversible harm on our already vulnerable marine ecosystems.

I urge you to exercise your authority under the EPBC Act and immediately "call in" the Queensland shark culling program for formal assessment. Australians expect environmental policy to be evidence-based, ethical, and accountable. The Commonwealth must not allow this expansion to proceed unchallenged.

Thank you for your attention to this urgent matter. I hope to see decisive federal leadership to protect our marine life and move toward truly non-lethal, modern beach safety solutions.

Queensland Government Expands Controversial Shark Culling Program Despite Widespread Opposition

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