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Queensland opposition smart drum line plan slammed over safety risks

A plan to introduce new humane drumlines for keeping out sharks has been slammed over this workplace health and safety issue.

THE Queensland Opposition’s plan to introduce new humane drum lines for keeping out sharks on the Great Barrier Reef has been slammed for not taking into account the safety risk of catching and releasing live sharks.

Minister for Agricultural Industry Development and Fisheries Mark Furner is standing up for the safety of marine crews. PICTURE: STEWART MCLEAN
Minister for Agricultural Industry Development and Fisheries Mark Furner is standing up for the safety of marine crews. PICTURE: STEWART MCLEAN

LNP leader Deb Frecklington has pledged $15 million over three years to implement a catch-and-release program for sharks in the Great Barrier Reef, calling on the Palaszczuk Government to do the same.

“Public safety must come first. Our position couldn’t be more clear — people before sharks.”

The State Government recently removed all drum lines n the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, including 40 from Ellis to Holloways beaches, to comply with a federal court ruling.

Generic photo of a tiger shark.
Generic photo of a tiger shark.

Fisheries Minister Mark Furner slammed the LNP plan, saying a catch-and-release program with live sharks would put the crews’ safety at risk.

“Handling sharks is dangerous and I can’t see the sense in releasing a shark near where it was caught,” he said.

Originally published as Queensland opposition smart drum line plan slammed over safety risks

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Original URL: https://www.couriermail.com.au/news/national/queensland-opposition-smart-drum-line-plan-slammed-over-safety-risks/news-story/12fc805a6e7ca18a8acbeb67e4e632d7