E-Petition

The Petition of residents of the State of Queensland draws to the attention of the House the serious concern we would like to raise about the increasing number of bull sharks in Queensland waterways and the growing risk this poses to public safety. Bull sharks are uniquely capable of living in both salt and fresh water and have already been recorded up to 90 km inland in the Brisbane River. This is no longer a remote or hypothetical issue.

Your petitioners, whether parents or grandparents living in Brisbane, want future generations to be able to safely enjoy iconic local swimming areas such as Tallebudgera Creek. At the current trajectory, this may not be possible. While this is a national issue, Queensland has an opportunity to lead with proactive, practical management.

The current Queensland regulations regarding bull shark bag limits—both in allowable numbers and size—are inadequate to address rising populations. I call on the Queensland Government to urgently review and relax bag and size limits/restrictions and implement active Bull Shark population control measures based on community safety and environmental balance.

Failure to act now risks preventable incidents and long-term loss of safe recreational waterways. Action is needed before the situation worsens.

Your petitioners, therefore, request the House to call on the Queensland Government to urgently review and relax the bag and size limits/restrictions and implement active Bull Shark population control measures based on community safety and environmental balance.