General News
28 July, 2025
Big win: Stinger nets to stay
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, with one in 15 respondents unaware of what they protect against. In response, the council will be updating beach signs and boosting safety education.
In line with community feedback, the council has allocated $300,000 in the 2025–2026 budget to replace the ageing toilet block at Seaview St, adjacent to the Mission Beach stinger net, delivering cleaner, safer and more accessible facilities for residents and visitors.
“This feedback has reinforced the value our community places, not just on stinger nets, but on quality beach infrastructure more broadly,” Cr Millwood said.
The council was hoping to save $526,000 ($340,000 for net hire and operations and $186,000 for lifeguard patrols).
The feedback included:
Strong support for keeping all current stinger nets, especially at Mission Beach, South Mission Beach and Etty Bay
Many see the nets as essential for safety, tourism and everyday beach use, particularly for families and visitors
Concerns were raised that removing nets would impact local businesses, community wellbeing and visitor confidence.
