Community Feedback Helps Shape Stinger Net Direction for Cassowary Coast Beaches

Cassowary Coast Regional Council has completed an extensive community engagement process to better understand how locals, tourists and stakeholders value our stinger net service.

With more than 825 contributions received and thousands reached through social media, the response clearly demonstrated 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 are 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,” Mayor Millwood 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 1 in 15 respondents unaware of what they protect against. In response, Council will be updating beach signage and boosting safety education.

In line with community feedback, Council has allocated $300,000 in the 2025–2026 Budget to replace the ageing toilet block at Seaview Street, 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,” Mayor Millwood said.

The full engagement report is available at: yoursay.cassowarycoast.qld.gov.au/cassowary-coast-stinger-nets-consultation