Nets go in for stinger season
Date published: 26 October 2016
Stingers nets are being rolled out off Townsville beaches with just days until the official start of the higher risk stinger season.
Contractors Uninet installed two stinger nets on the Strand and one at Pallarenda today.
Nets at Horseshoe Bay and Picnic Bay were installed yesterday and Balgal Beach on Monday.
Council’s Community Health and Environment Committee chair Cr Ann-Maree Greaney said it was important the city’s beaches were protected swimming locations.
“Stingers are a constant summer threat in North Queensland and having stinger nets is an essential part of our life at the beach,” Cr Greaney said.
“Council funds the installation of the six stinger nets in our popular swimming spots each year to ensure that locals and visitors can take full advantage of our great beaches.
“But we need to remind people that while nets provide a high level of protection, they are not stinger proof.”
The council will spend $395,000 this year on stinger nets and a further $1million for the provision of Lifeguards at Riverway, The Strand and Magnetic Island.
Swimmers also have the choice of the city’s public pools at Tobruk, Long Tan, and Northern Beaches Leisure Centre as well as the Rockpool and Riverway.
Uninet installs stinger nets for councils right along the North Queensland coast.