Community
29 August, 2025
Stinger nets are remaining
CASSOWARY Coast Regional Council has backed away from removing stinger nets from its beaches after a huge public backlash.
The council has completed an extensive community engagement process to better understand how locals, tourists and stakeholders value our stinger net service.
More than 825 people responded. as well as thousands reached through social media, with the response clearly demonstrating strong community support for retaining the net service at existing locations, including Etty Bay, Mission Beach, South Mission Beach, and Kurrimine Beach.
Mayor Teresa Millwood said the engagement highlighted how important stinger nets were to both lifestyle and tourism in the region.
“We heard loud and clear that these nets are central to beach safety, community wellbeing and our local economy,” she said. “We also heard that we have the balance about right, in terms of location, costs and how and when nets are operational.”
The consultation also revealed a gap in community awareness about the purpose of stinger nets, so the council will be updating beach signs and boosting safety education.
Read More: Innisfail