Northern Beaches Council has flatly denied media reports suggesting it has backed away from removing shark nets after the state government offered councils the opportunity to nominate one location for a net-free trial this upcoming season.
Council has been given until this Friday 22 August to nominate a location.
Contrary to media reports implying Council was retreating from the decision, it has clarified that it supports whichever location the Department of Primary Industries (DPI) – as the authority and administrator of the nets – deems most suitable based on available data.
Council stated it would like to see “the removal of shark nets on all our beaches. If a trial on one beach gets us a step closer to this outcome, we’d welcome it, provided nets are replaced with appropriate mitigation technologies that maintain or improve swimmer safety.”
Mitigation strategies generally include drone monitoring, drumlines, shark listening stations and other measures. In 2021, following a Council resolution, then-CEO Ray Brownlee wrote to the Department stating Council’s position that it wanted alternative shark mitigation strategies deployed due to the harm shark meshing causes to wildlife. The letter noted that smart drumlines and drones were Council’s preferred options.
Mayor Sue Heins reiterated that Council maintains this position and would support whichever location the authority nominates as most appropriate.
“The NSW government has been researching the impact and efficacy of shark nets and alternate technology across the NSW coast for several years,” the mayor said.
“Based on this research, we have been advocating for removing shark nets and replacing them with technology that maintains or improves swimmer safety.
“Our position has not changed since Council’s resolution of 27 April 2021.
“The final decision on where, how and when rests with the NSW Government, as it has the relevant research, expertise and responsibility for this decision.
“We look forward to receiving more information about the NSW Government’s plans for its proposed trial.”
We asked DPI and Agriculture Minister Tara Moriarty if it would select a trial location if Council elects not to nominate one, and was provided this reply: “We welcome the engagement from Northern Beaches, Central Coast and Waverley Councils and discussions are still continuing.“
Northern Beaches Greens councillor Bonnie Harvey said she would be leading a protest this Saturday in Manly against the nets returning this season.
“Shark nets are the epitome of governments letting moral panic create poor policy. They endanger people, hamstring endangered wildlife and waste money. Our residents are ready for courageous State leadership, and our Council continues to call for all nets out now.”
If you wish to attend it will take place at South Steyne at 10am.
