Children and boaties are ignoring warnings on bull sharks to wade out chest high at the Goodna Boat Ramp.

Goodna Councillor Paul Tully said the boat ramp off Brisbane Terrace had been busier than usual in the past year with local residents seeking alternative recreational uses during the pandemic.

Cr Tully warned bull sharks were being regularly caught near the boat ramp adjoining the Goodna Rugby League Club.

Records show there have been 11 serious shark attacks on the Brisbane River with reports of bull sharks as far upstream as Karalee and Colleges Crossing.

The Goodna facility is the only boat ramp on the Brisbane River in the City of Ipswich.

Council’s attempts to warn residents have also been hindered by the theft of two previous signs. The signs have been replaced.

Cr Tully said he had seen boaties and children going out chest high into the water ignoring the warning signs when launching and retrieving boats and jet skis.

“This is the sharks’ natural environment and people need to be very vigilant,” he said.

“Regular fishers at the Goodna boat ramp say the river is full of bull sharks especially in the warmer months and that people should stay out of the water.

“The chances of a shark attack are relatively low but everyone should always be aware of the potential danger with the river a hotbed of bull shark activity.”