15 October, 2016 - A young whale has been set free by a Marine Rescue Team after becoming trapped in a shark net off Coolangatta Beach on the Gold Coast, Queensland.

Video shows rescuers working to free the young whale from the net, as its mother keeps close watch.

The humpback whale and her calf became entangled in the shark net as debate about using the nets continue.

Rescuers worked together using specialised cutting equipment while the mother whale kept her four-metre calf near the surface.

"After a few cuts the net was removed from around its head and pectoral fin and the four-metre juvenile whale was soon on its way," Queensland Shark Control Program Manager Jeff Krause said.

It is the sixth whale this migration season to be caught in shark nets in Queensland, according to Mr Krause.

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