BREAKING NEWS: Tunnel net trials suspended pending investigation

On Wednesday 29 July 2026, the Director-General of QLD’s Department of Primary Industries informed a QLD Parliament Estimates Committee that the tunnel net trials have been suspended while an internal, independent investigation is underway.

This is a step in the right direction and we support the decision to suspend the tunnel net trials. 

But it's not over yet.  

We have asked the Department to ensure the outcome (including any findings) of the independent investigation, and any lifting of the suspension, are promptly made public. We have also asked them to tell us who is conducting the "internal, independent" investigation.

And we continue to call upon the QLD Government to permanently cease all tunnel net trials and divert the allocated public funds to supporting QLD's seafood industry in better ways. 

With last year's trial data showing the risks the tunnel nets pose to local economies and World Heritage Area marine ecosystems, and with over 10,000 voices (like yours!) calling for an end to the trials, it's time to chart a better path forward.  

You can read the transcript from the Estimates hearing here (see pgs 57-61; 64; 85).

Please keep spreading the word about the petition - the more voices we have, the stronger we are. And follow our social media @theinshoreflatsproject for regular updates. 

With thanks for your invaluable support, from The Inshore Flats Project team :-)