With the weather warming up and storm season already underway, people are not the only ones becoming more active in Queensland’s waterways, State Member for Pine Rivers, Carolyn Male MP said today.

Carolyn Male MP has warned bathers about the dangers of swimming in waterways such as the Pine River which is a common breeding ground for dangerous shark species such as the bull shark.

“People need to remember that shark activity is not exclusive to Gold Coast’s beaches with many of Queensland’s most dangerous species actually found in backyard canals and river systems.”

“Locals have seen 1.5 metre sharks swimming in South Pine River in the section adjacent to Bob Bell Park which is off Learmonth St, Strathpine.”

“The sharks are likely to be bull sharks which are very aggressive so we are asking people to avoid swimming there,” Carolyn Male said.

“Recent rain increases the movement of these sharks with spring and summer the breeding seasons.”

“At this time they can head kilometres up river systems to give birth - bull sharks commonly use these waterways as a nursery ground for their young.”

Carolyn Male said to stay safe this summer people should take simple precautions such as avoiding swimming in river mouths, canals, artificial lakes and in waterways.

“Other measures to stay safe this summer include: Leave the water immediately if a shark is sighted, never swim alone, never swim at dawn, dusk or at night, never swim when bleeding, do not swim in murky waters, do not swim near schools of fish, do not swim near or interfere with shark control equipment and do not swim with animals.”

“People who fish should also take care when fishing in areas where swimmers are and avoid burleying when people are in the water.”

For more information about the Shark Control Program visit www.dpi.qld.gov.au or call 13 25 23.