The Department of Agriculture and Fisheries (DAF) invites Offers from suitably qualified persons to minimise the threat of shark attacks on humans by using nets and baited drumlines off Queensland’s Rainbow Beach. It is important to reduce the inadvertent impacts of the Shark Control Program (the Program) on other marine animals (bycatch) without compromising human safety. Bycatch levels are carefully monitored and research is focused on minimising impacts on non-target species. Officers of the Queensland Boating and Fisheries Patrol (QBFP) will supervise and direct the operation.

Only one Offerer will be appointed to undertake this Contract. The term of the Contract will be for a period of two (2) years initially, with a further four (4) options to extend for periods of twenty four (24) months each; at the State’s sole discretion.

The department has issued this Invitation to Offer with the objectives being:
The management of the Program is a very important function of the QBFP. It provides a safer swimming environment for residents and tourists at popular Queensland’s beaches and has been a public safety initiative of Government in Queensland since 1962.

To achieve and meet the requirements of the contract the Supplier must complete a minimum of 182 services of the Programs equipment per year.

The Contractor is to be competent, experienced and reliable.

The main components of this contract include,
* General knowledge of the Program
* Servicing of baited drum lines
* Safe and efficient Maintenance of equipment i.e.: cleaning, repairing, stocktake
* Land based surveillance
* Reporting
* Marine animal species identification
* Maintaining the shore site
* Accountability of the provided gear
* Ship handling and competency

Persons considering submitting an Offer for this Invitation to Offer should be aware that performing the required Program tasks in these waters can be physically demanding as the sea conditions in the area can be rough at times. The coastal bar (Wide Bay Bar) at Tin Can Bay can be exceeding rough making it unnavigable at times.

The return distance to service all equipment from Carlo Point Marina, Tin Can Bay (approximately 30 nm round trip) or from Inskip Point (approximately 16 nm round trip) boat ramps. An alternative method of accessing the equipment may involve beach launching through the surf at Rainbow Beach. The Offerer may choose other local launching sites to perform the services.

Offerors should be certain that key personnel nominated are physically fit and able to carry out all manual tasks, including the hauling of fouled wet nets and drum lines out of the water on a continuous basis in rough and occasionally dangerous local conditions.

If Offerors are uncertain whether nominated Key Personnel are capable of performing the tasks, it is recommended they seek a clearance from a qualified medical practitioner prior to submitting an Offer. A clearance may also be required to be provided to the Customer.

Sub-contracting will not be accepted.

Offerers must provide a statement that they reside, or are willing to reside within close proximity (125km) to the Programs equipment at the key location to provide an acceptable callout response time to attend the equipment should they become the successful Offerer.

Provision of a suitable and secure shore site for the storage and cleaning of equipment and a suitable freezer for storing up to 3 tonnes of frozen packaged bait.

Note: The cleaning of nets and drumlines at the nominated shore site may require local council approval. Evidence will need to be provided that the local council has been consulted about this matter.