NSW Launches World's Largest Shark Drone Network
New South Wales will deploy the world's largest shark-spotting drone network across 70 beaches from July 1, backed by a $120 million government investment. The program aims to improve coastal safety and surveillance following a recent increase in fatal shark incidents across Australia.
How will the $120m investment change beach safety?
Starting at 6:45am on July 1, Surf Life Saving NSW will operate shark-spotting drones along the state's coastline. The initiative covers every Sydney beach from Palm Beach to Cronulla, and ensures at least one beach in every coastal Local Government Area has aerial monitoring. The state government initially announced an $87 million shark surveillance package earlier this week, adding a further $34 million on Sunday to bring the total two-year investment to more than $120 million.
Under the new schedule, the 38 ocean beaches across Sydney will receive daily dawn-to-dusk drone patrols throughout the year. Regional coastal zones will see daily flights during the summer months, expanding to weekend coverage for the remainder of the year. The surveillance will also extend to unpatrolled beaches, a significant shift in maritime safety protocol.
Why is NSW expanding shark surveillance now?
The government's decision comes in the wake of several high-profile shark encounters. Two weeks ago, new mother Leah Stewart survived a great white shark attack at Coogee Beach. Earlier this week, great white sightings forced swimmers out of the water at Bondi Beach for three consecutive days.
Australia has recorded four fatal shark attacks so far this year, a figure approaching last year's total of five, which stood as the second-highest annual toll in a decade. Premier Chris Minns stated that the drones will prioritise the busiest beaches in Sydney and on the North Coast, regions where shark incidents have become more frequent.