Shark nets could be up within a month on the NSW North Coast after spate of attacks

LAWS to allow the six-month trial of shark nets on the North Coast will go to parliament in the next fortnight, the government is announcing today, allowing nets to be up within a month.

• Man attacked by shark while surfing at Broken Head

Laws to allow the six-month trial of shark nets on the North Coast will go to parliament in the next fortnight, the government is announcing today, allowing nets to be up within a month.

In a statement from Primary Industries Minister Niall Blair, the government said it will “ introduce a Bill to the NSW Parliament in the last session this year to legalise a six-month trial of traditional shark nets on the North Coast, with deployment to occur immediately following its successful passage.”.

“The announcement follows activation of the NSW Department of Primary Industries Shark Incident Response Plan after a man suffered injuries to his thigh in a shark attack at Broken Head near Byron Bay on the North Coast this morning.

A surfer was attacked by a shark at Broken Head near Byron Bay this morning. Picture: Geoffrey John Knapp

“Minister for Primary Industries Niall Blair said the NSW Government will introduce dedicated legislation to regulate mesh nets on the North Coast so that a trial can commence as soon as possible.

“Last week the Department of Primary Industries held meetings with the community on the North Coast to discuss the design of the six-month trial, including locations, and the NSW Government is seeking approval from the Commonwealth,” Mr Blair said.

“We know that the North Coast community is suffering after an extraordinary run of shark attacks – that is why we have today announced that we will introduce legislation to the NSW Parliament, to get the nets in the water as soon as possible.

A 3m White Shark at Lighthouse Beach, Ballina on October 4.

“No one measure can stop shark attacks, but this trial of traditional nets will complement our existing $16 million Shark Management Strategy, and help reduce the risk of further attacks.

“Marine life is important, which is why DPI’s world-leading fisheries experts are investigating how mesh nets might be improved to avoid unnecessary entanglements, but protecting human life is our first priority.”

Lighthouse Beach would be among those beaches to have shark nets installed. Picture: Adam Head

“DPI has commenced procurement of nets and started negotiations with contractors, to allow immediate roll-out following approval from the Commonwealth and the passage of the legislation through the NSW Parliament.

“The proposed NSW legislation will streamline an approvals process, which is currently spread across various NSW Acts. The Commonwealth’s Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 will continue to apply.”

RECENT ATTACKS

2015

February 6, Newcastle (Merewether Beach) — Male bodysurfer bitten on foot by wobbegong shark. Minor lacerations.

February 8, Ballina (Seven Mile Beach) — White pointer attacks surfer Jabez Reitman, 35, about 60m from shore. Chunk of flesh ripped from his back and lacerations to hip.

February 9, Ballina (Shelly Beach) — Japanese surfer Tadashi Nakahara dies after 4m great white severs both legs in an attack close to shore.

May 3, Taree (Saltwater Beach) — Local man treated for serious wounds to his left arm and right hand after attempting to fight off a white pointer about 60m from shore.

July 1, Yamba (Flat Rock) — Great white severs nerves and tendons in male surfer’s hand after attacking as he paddled out through the breakers.

July 2, Ballina (Lighthouse Beach) — 32-year-old bodyboarder Mathew Lee mauled by 4m great white. Serious injuries to both his legs but both limbs saved in emergency surgery.

July 31, Evans Head (Main Beach) — Surfer Craig Ison, 52, attacked by a white pointer during morning surf, suffering serious wounds to his leg and arm.

August 22, Port Macquarie (Lighthouse Beach) — Bodyboarder Dale Carr loses 2.5l of blood after being mauled by 3m great white about 150m from shore.

September 4, Forster (Black Head Beach) — White pointer mauls surf-skier David Quinlivan, 65, as he paddles offshore. Serious wounds to his left ankle.

November 10 — Ballina (Lighthouse Beach) — Champion junior surfer Sam Morgan, 20, seriously injured after 3m bull shark mauls his left thigh.

2016

March 30 — Kiama (Bombo Beach) — Surfer Brett Connellan, 23, loses 70% of his upper left leg and suffers deep wounds to his left hand in a white pointer attack about 100m from shore.

September 26 — Ballina (Lighthouse Beach) — 17-year-old surfer rushed to hospital with serious leg wounds after being mauled shortly before 9am.

October 24 — Surfer attacked at Broken Head near Byron Bay. He suffered non life-threatening injuries and was driven by a mate to Byron Bay Hospital.