NSW beaches to keep shark nets despite council pleas to remove them

The NSW government will defy coastal council requests to scrap shark nets along the state’s beaches with the controversial deterrents to be erected in September.

The government has chosen to go with nets at the state’s beaches, including Bondi. Picture: Newscorp Daily Telegraph / Gaye Gerard

The Minns government will defy coastal council requests to scrap shark nets along NSW beaches – including Bondi, with the controversial deterrents to be erected in September.

Government consultations with community and local councils looking at alternative options to protect swimmers from sharks wrapped up on Friday.

The Daily Telegraph understands the government is poised to make the final decision to keep the nets when cabinet meets within the next fortnight.

This comes despite multiple councils calling on the government to scrap the shark meshing program during the consultation process.

Premier Chris Minns told media on Monday the reason for keeping the controversial program was due to there not being enough time to implement alternative shark deterrence measures to protect swimmers.

“We’re not in a position at the moment where we can say hand on heart for this coming summer that these new technologies are as good a replacement as shark nets for Sydney beaches,” he said.

“I think it’s a good ambition to remove shark nets in Sydney but we’ve got a ways to go.

“I don’t think the work will be done in enough time for summer particularly when you consider the nets need to be rolled out in September.”

Shark nets will likely be erected in September. Picture: Newscorp Daily Telegraph / Gaye Gerard

That doesn’t mean the shark nets will be here to stay, as alternative technologies such as an increased use of drones, listening stations and smart drumlines will still be considered as net replacement options for next year, giving the government more time to implement.

Agriculture Minister Tara Moriarty said the current shark management program was an effective mitigation program.

“Any future changes to shark management in NSW will be evidence-based and ensure the residents and visitors can continue to enjoy our beautiful beaches along the coast,” she said.

Ocean swimmer Angela Curry, at Bondi Beach supports the removal of shark nets. Picture: Justin Lloyd

Waverley council mayor Paula Masselos strongly advocated to remove the nets in consultation with the government. She argued the death of marine life caught up in the shark nets had to stop.

“The bycatch is unacceptable and when we’re catching iconic species like baby dolphins and whales the community gets very upset,” she said.

“We don’t believe shark nets are the best kind of technology out there to keep people safe, particularly because the nets are not in for six months of the year.”

In NSW over 90 per cent of animals caught in the mesh nets last year were not sharks according to figures released by the Department of Primary Industries last week.

Of 228 animals ensnared in nets over 2022-23 only 24 were sharks with 204 being species such as turtles, rays, seals and dolphins.

Over 60 per cent of all animals caught died.

Liberal Waverley councillor Leon Goltsman said the nets should stay as they were a successful deterrent.

Despite the numbers Liberal Waverley councillor Leon Goltsman said the nets should stay as they were a successful deterrent.

“It’s a common misconception that these nets aim to ensnare sharks to protect swimmers,” he said.

“Until these technologies prove to be as, if not more effective than our current systems, our duty lies in prioritising safety over politics.”

While many swimmers will breathe a sigh of relief that the nets will stay in place this year, some believe they need to go.

For Bondi swimmer Ange Curry, swimming alongside endangered grey nurse sharks and other sea life is all part of the fun.

“I love bumping into them,” she said.

“One day we were checking out the sharks, Alex the seal showed up – It was so fun, it’s why I swim in the ocean.

“If I didn’t want to have those encounters I’d just stick to the pool.”

Originally published as NSW beaches to keep shark nets despite council pleas to remove them