Shark safety plan for Elliott Heads and Moore Park Beach

Two beaches in Bundaberg are among Qld shark danger hotspots flagged for nets, drones, and high-tech defences. FIND OUT WHERE

A patient is being treated following reports of a shark attack at a popular beach in the Bundaberg suburb of Bargara.

Two popular Bundaberg beaches have been shortlisted for new shark safety measures, with Elliott Heads and Moore Park Beach named among seven locations under a refreshed Queensland Government strategy.

The beaches are being considered for a mix of traditional and modern technologies, ranging from drumlines and shark nets to drones and new deterrents.

The upgrades are part of the state’s Shark Management Plan, which includes recommendations from a newly released KPMG Shark Control Program Evaluation Report.

A MOORE Park woman is passing on a warning to swimmers after spotting what she says was a 3m shark just outside the perimeter of the Basin at Bargara.

Minister for Agricultural Industry Development and Fisheries and Minister for Rural Communities Tony Perrett said the Queensland Government would implement all recommendations of the report, noting the importance of protecting both people and marine life.

“We’re striking the right balance between ensuring swimmer safety and maintaining a healthy marine environment,” Mr Perrett said.

“This plan recalibrates to protect people, while ensuring the ocean ecosystem remains healthy and thrives into the future.”

Beaches were shortlisted based on a range of criteria including recreational use, existing infrastructure, and whether they are currently patrolled by Surf Life Saving Queensland.

Shark control measures in the Bundaberg region are not without precedent.

In 2007, 59-year-old Mary Jane Ryan was bitten by a 2 to 2.5-metre shark while swimming at Moore Park Beach.
She survived with injuries to her leg, arm and hand.

More recently, in March 2024, a 14-year-old girl was attacked at Nielson Beach in Bargara.
She received 160 stitches after suffering 40 puncture wounds to her torso.

A young girl was taken to hospital after reportedly being bitten by a shark in Bargara.

While Elliott Heads has no recorded shark bites in public databases, it remains a high-use area with strong community interest in improved safety measures.

The updated shark plan focuses on trialling new and emerging technologies, informed by scientific research and community feedback.

“The KPMG report was clear—newer technologies have a role to play alongside traditional methods, and we will be looking at what’s most effective in each location.”

The next phase will include engagement with local councils, Surf Life Saving Queensland, scientists and community groups to determine which measures are most appropriate at each beach.