Hi-tech eyes in the sky will help protect swimmers in the Whitsundays from shark attacks as part of an aerial surveillance program under a future LNP Government.
LNP Leader Deb Frecklington announced the program on a visit to Airlie Beach today and said her government would partner with James Cook University to deliver the safety initiative.
“The LNP will deliver a modern shark control program to protect swimmers and the thousands of jobs that depend on a strong local tourism industry,” Ms Frecklington said.
“Tourism experts are united on the need for a shark control program and the LNP will deliver solutions to protect both swimmers and tourism jobs.
“The Whitsundays will be a priority-area for the aerial surveillance program, which is on top of the LNP’s commitment to trial SMART drumlines.
“Annastacia Palaszczuk’s plan of doing nothing is not an option and calls for legislative change could endanger the Great Barrier Reef’s World Heritage status.
“Annastacia Palaszczuk should back the LNP’s plan and stop the fake fights with Canberra, which are endangering lives and jobs.”
The LNP has committed $1 million over three years from the existing Shark Control Program.
This is on top of the LNP’s $15 million commitment for SMART drumlines.
Background:
What is a SMART drumline?: ‘SMART’ is an acronym for Shark-Management-Alert-in-Real-Time. A SMART drumline is non-lethal, and designed to send an alert when a shark has been captured on the line. Anchored to the sea floor, SMART drumlines comprise of two buoys and a satellite-linked GPS communications unit attached to a baited hook.
Vision of drones monitoring sharks:
