Member for Terrigal Adam Crouch has today welcomed the resolution made by Central Coast Council to participate in the trial removal of shark nets, while calling on the Department of Primary Industries to work constructively with Council in delivering the program.
Mr Crouch said Council’s decision to proceed with the trial was a positive step which balanced public safety while protecting the Central Coast’s precious marine life.
“The community has been clear from the outset – shark nets have no place in our waters, and it’s time to get rid of them.”
Council’s resolution supports the use of drones, SMART drumlines, and shark listening stations as preferred shark mitigation measures, while recommending that DPI select the single Central Coast beach to trial net removal in the 2025–26 season
“Council has made the right decision to back the trial, but it’s now in the hands of the DPI, as the agency responsible for shark management, to choose the beach location,” Mr Crouch said.
“DPI have got the data, they’ve got the facts – it’s now up to them to decide which beach will trial the removal, taking into account risk factors, available technology and local visitation.”
“Shark nets are outdated and indiscriminate – they don’t provide a full barrier protection and cause needless harm to dolphins, turtles and other marine life.”
To learn more about the NSW Shark Management program, visit www.sharksmart.nsw.gov.au