NSW Shark Attacks Prompt $4.2M Boost In Beach Safety
Image: Beaches on high alert following four shark attacks in 48 hours across NSW. Source: heaute.at
NSW beaches are on high alert after four shark attacks in just 48 hours, including the tragic death of a child and others left in critical condition or narrowly escaping serious injury. The string of incidents has prompted the NSW Government to put $4.2 million into shark safety this summer.
The funding will support new research, real-time tracking, expanded drone patrols and community education. The program’s goal is simple, to give NSW swimmers and surfers clear, timely information and help people feel safer from shark attacks in the water.
As part of the expansion, scientists will keep a close eye on bull sharks in Sydney Harbour and nearby estuaries, tagging and tracking them to spot high-risk periods—especially after storms and heavy rainfall.
New listening stations in the harbour will also alert swimmers and boats more quickly if sharks are nearby.
From 24 January, Surf Life Saving NSW will expand drone coverage to 30 more beaches. That includes 19 new spots across Sydney—Avalon, Mona Vale, North Narrabeen, Collaroy, Freshwater—and 11 regional beaches like Crowdy Head, Killcare, and Windang.
The drones will fly every day through the April school holidays, keeping more eyes in the sky this summer.
Surf Life Saving NSW Chief Steve Pearce says the expansion represents a 90% increase in shark surveillance drone programs, adding around 35,000 flying hours.
“Our drones give beachgoers an early warning and help keep people safe,” he said.
Beachgoers will also see new signs, a mobile education van, more social media alerts and on-the-ground warnings through the SharkSmart campaign upgrade.
Minister for Agriculture, Regional and Western NSW, Tara Moriarty said:
“There’s no single solution, and no government can ever promise to make the water completely safe, which is why we’re using a range of tools to keep people informed and as safe as possible.”
These new measures build on NSW’s existing Shark Management Program, which includes 305 SMART drumlines, shark nets at 51 beaches from Newcastle to Wollongong, and 37 shark listening stations along the coast.
A $2.5 million boost in December brought drones online earlier, added weekend flights, and funded 150 community shark bite kits in regional areas.
Authorities are urging anyone heading into the water to stay alert, follow warnings, and consider sticking to pools until conditions calm.
You May Also Like
Leave a Reply