Stakeholder round table to discuss Cid Harbour attacks
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Recent tragic events at Cid Harbour will be at the forefront of a stakeholder round table in Airlie Beach on Friday hosted by Whitsunday Regional Council Mayor Andrew Willcox, Fisheries Minister Mark Furner and Tourism Minister Kate Jones.
The trio will host invited local authorities, marine experts and tourism industry officials to discuss a strategy for the way forward after the unusual spate of attacks in Cid Harbour.
“Our focus right now is hearing from the marine experts to try and understand why there is a sudden onset of shark attacks in Cid Harbour,” Mayor Willcox said.
“ Their information and advice will allow us to make the best, most informed long term decisions for the safety our residents and visitors.”
“We all know that in our beautiful pristine Whitsunday waters there are sharks but historically attacks are very rare and apart from Cid Harbour, are still unheard of across waters around our 74 islands.”
“However, after three incidences in a short space of time at the same location, the message is simple, do not swim at Cid Harbour and avoid swimming at dawn or dusk.”
“Our tourism industry and water police have been highly proactive in educating visitors about the dangers of swimming at Cid Harbour and we will continue to find ways to reinforce the messaging not to swim at this location.”
“However, we must be mindful that, apart from Cid Harbour, the waters off the Whitsundays are historically a safe place to paddle and swim.”
“The round table meeting on Friday will allow everyone to understand science and facts and agree on the best solution moving forward.”