Katter’s Australian Party MP and Member for Hill, Shane Knuth, has called for immediate action on shark numbers, accusing the Government of still wanting to hide behind studies, workshops and bureaucracy while Queenslanders face increasing risks on the water.
Mr Knuth’s call comes following three recent fatal shark attacks and mounting reports from recreational fishers, commercial operators and spear fishers who report shark numbers have exploded to alarming levels along the Queensland coastline and popular recreational and commercial fishing spots
Speaking after raising the issue recently in Parliament in a question to the Minister for Fisheries, Mr Knuth said fishers across North Queensland were asking a simple question:
“What is the Minister actually doing to help, other than commissioning more studies and holding more workshops?”
“I am told repeatedly by fishers that the Minister was very visible before the last election on this issue, but has gone MIA ever since.”
“Every week we hear from fishers who are telling us the same thing. Sharks are taking catches off lines, stripping fish before they can be landed, destroying gear and harassing spear fishers.”
“These are not isolated complaints. They are coming from people who spend their lives on the water and know these waterways better than any bureaucrat sitting in an office in Brisbane.”
Recent Government figures show 3,424 sharks were caught through Queensland’s Shark Control Program last year, compared with 1,497 the year before.
“That’s more than double, yet the Government continues to hold more workshops and conduct more studies.”
“While academics debate statistics, the average Queenslander is seeing the reality firsthand.”
Mr Knuth said the Government’s response to growing community concerns had been completely inadequate.
“Queenslanders are tired of being told another study is needed.”
“People have had it with workshops, reviews and endless reports gathering dust on departmental shelves.”
Mr Knuth said commercial shark harvesting was once a significant industry in Queensland before being dramatically reduced through tighter regulations and restrictions.
“The Government should be seriously examining whether a sustainable shark harvesting industry can be re-established as part of a broader shark management strategy,” Mr Knuth said.
“There is already a well-established domestic and international market for shark products. Shark meat is sold throughout Australia, while shark fins and other products are exported into lucrative overseas markets.”
“If governments are serious about managing shark numbers and improving public safety, they should be looking at a properly regulated and sustainable harvesting program which could help reduce shark populations in high-risk areas while creating jobs and economic opportunities for regional Queensland.”
“At the moment, fishers are telling us shark numbers are increasing, attacks are occurring, catches are being destroyed and yet the Government seems unwilling to even investigate the full range of management options available.”
Mr Knuth said swimming, fishing, boating and enjoying Queensland’s waterways was a fundamental part of life for Queenslanders.
“Stop treating every concern and report as an inconvenience and start treating public safety as a priority.”
“The first responsibility of government is to protect people, not endlessly study a problem while it gets worse.”