Redland council warns swimmers to stay out of canals after bull shark spotted at Thorneside

Swimmers, boaters, and anglers have been warned to stay out of a popular canal east of Brisbane after a large bull shark was spotted recently.

A bull shark on the bayside. Image: Contributed

Swimmers on Brisbane’s bayside have been warned to stay out of canals after a large bull shark was spotted in waters in Thorneside.

Redland City Council issued a safety warning for locals and visitors after the shark, believed to be a bull shark, was spotted in the Aquatic Paradise canals last week.

The council did not release details of who made the report but assured residents that nobody had been injured.

The council’s advisory extended beyond swimming, urging boaters and anglers to also remain cautious.

The shark sighting was a stark reminder of the region’s natural marine life, which includes various species that can pose a risk to those unaware of their presence.

Redland council said bull sharks were often found in the city’s rivers, canals, and beaches, and said swimming in the canals, as well as fishing or boating, should be done with extra vigilance.

“While these sightings aren’t unusual, it is essential that we respect our local marine environment,” the council statement said.

“Avoiding swimming in the canals and being mindful while engaging in water activities helps ensure a safe and respectful coexistence with our wildlife.”

Sharks inhabit waters across the state with the latest warning from Redland council about sharks being spotted in canals. Image: file photo

There has been one fatal shark attack in Redland in the past 19 years with 21-year-old Sarah Kate Whiley tragically mauled to death after being attacked by multiple sharks while swimming at Amity Point, off North Stradbroke Island.

Her death, on January 9, 2006, remains the sole fatality in the area to date.

In response to such incidents, the state government has implemented shark control programs, including the use of shark nets and drum lines, to reduce the risk of shark attacks.

The effectiveness of these measures, however, has been scrutinised with experts claiming nets do nothing to prevent shark attacks.

Long-time Redland resident Shane Markwell said bull sharks had always been part of the ecosystem, with several recalling instances of sharks being seen while fishing or even swimming in the canals over the years.

“I used to catch sharks here as a teenager. It’s nothing new,” Mr Markwell said.

“People coming into the area need to understand this — it’s always been part of life here.”

However, other residents have taken the warning more seriously, expressing concern about youngsters swimming in the canals, with some even suggesting police should be paid to help regulate safety.

Local paddler Gareth Harris reported seeing a bull shark near the buoys in Raby Bay in December, just outside the designated swimming area.

“It came up briefly and then disappeared,” he said.

Some online commenters also suggested the risk of shark encounters could be minimised if people paid more attention to safety guidelines.

“It’s the ones you don’t see that you should be concerned about,” said Cleveland local Craig Mathie.

Originally published as Redland council warns swimmers to stay out of canals after bull shark spotted at Thorneside