Central Coast Council has requested further details from the NSW Government before confirming its participation in a proposed shark net removal trial run over the 2025/26 Summer swimming season.
A motion to adopt the trial in principle will be presented at the August 26 Council meeting.
Councillor Jared Wright, whose ward includes three of the four beaches under consideration, said Council must ensure appropriate technology and surveillance were in place before any nets were removed.
He said an extension may be needed as the Council cannot make a formal decision before that meeting.
Shark net removal has long been backed by scientists, conservationists, local leaders and groups.
Terrigal-based group Friends of Kurrawyba launched a petition in April 2024 calling for the permanent removal of nets across NSW.
They were supported by the Community Environment Network (CEN) and the Central Coast Marine Discovery Centre.
Take the CCN poll on shark nets
Member for Terrigal Adam Crouch has called for the trial, saying shark nets are outdated technology proven to provide no safety benefits to beachgoers.
He noted that $85M invested by the previous state government has enabled the rollout of modern alternatives.
“For years, marine experts have called for the removal of shark nets, pointing to clear scientific evidence of their ineffectiveness and harm,” Sea Shepherd spokesperson Jonathan Clark said.
He said that 90% of animals caught in the nets were bycatch, many of them threatened or endangered species.
The region currently uses three drone surveillance sites (The Entrance, Avoca, Ocean Beach), three shark listening stations (Soldiers Beach, Avoca, Killcare), and 32 SMART drumlines.
In March this year, nets were removed a month earlier than usual as part of a preliminary trial.
Council officers have been liaising with the Department of Primary Industries (DPI), Fisheries, and Surf Life Saving NSW to understand the rollout of alternative technology.
Inquiries sent to Minister for Agriculture Tara Moriarty on August 1 sought details on timelines, DPI’s role, planned net removals, and why councils, rather than the agency responsible for the Shark Management Program, must nominate beaches for the trial.
Sea Shepherd also criticised DPI’s oversight.
“It’s nonsensical that beach safety sits with a department whose primary concern is fishing, farming and mining,” Clark said.
Wright said the Council’s position was consistent with that of the Waverley and Northern Beaches Councils, also nominated for the trial.
Both have indicated support is conditional on the NSW Government funding enhanced non-lethal shark mitigation strategies.
He reaffirmed Council’s adopted position: to oppose ocean mesh nets and encourage DPI to prioritise alternatives, including drone surveillance, public education, listening stations, SMART drumlines, lifeguard towers, and personal deterrents.
Ivona Rose
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