Dear Duncan,

My husband and I were fortunate to live in Port Douglas for one year before moving to Glenelg. Port Douglas has the beautiful and renowned Four Mile Beach. From October through to April, depending on the season, nets are erected at this beach to protect swimmers from "stingers" or jellyfish. The jellyfish are a serious hazard to swimmers as are sharks and if it wasn't for the safety of the nets, thousands of vistors annually would not be able to enjoy the white sands of Port Douglas. I see a commonality between Glenelg beaches and Pt Douglas. Both are highly recognised tourism locations which benefit substantially from international visitors. Having worked as a Resort Manager, I know many people were happy to book accommodation having the security of a safe swimming environment during the holiday season.

Kind regards
Kathy Elliott
Glenelg North

Dear Duncan

The chances of a child being seriously injured by the scores of uncontrolled dogs on Glenelg and Somerton beaches is far higher than someone being injured by a shark.

A far better return for money in terms of improving beach safety and attractiveness for interstate and international tourists would be to make Glenelg beach dog free and properly enforce the dog restrictions on the other beaches in our ward.

Your analysis of the risk and hazards on our beaches is way off if you think the biggest problem is sharks.

Regards
C Straughan
Somerton Park