Cetaceans possess some of the most advanced hearing among mammals, relying on sophisticated auditory systems to navigate, communicate, and forage underwater. Acoustic pingers were designed to capitalise on this and detract cetaceans from human-wildlife conflict. The Queensland Shark Control Program (QSCP) deploys shark nets and drumlines with acoustic pingers across 86 beaches, posing significant bycatch risks to cetaceans. However, pinger effectiveness aimed at reducing bycatch remains inconsistent, with studies suggesting that current devices do not reliably elicit avoidance behaviours. We examined the effectiveness of various pingers and the many factors that can influence success or failure. Additionally, we assessed available audiometric data, which revealed hearing variation across species (e.g., 45-70 kHz for some odontocetes and 2-6 kHz for some mysticetes). Critically though, audiometric data remain absent for several locally common species (e.g., S. sahulensis and T. aduncus). Given the QSCP’s recent $88 million investment for the 2025 – 2029 Shark Management Plan, understanding species-specific hearing thresholds and current pinger effectiveness is critical to designing effective deterrent devices. These findings identify key knowledge gaps and highlight the need for targeted research in SEQ to better inform pinger design and reduce cetacean bycatch.