Shark nets to come down a month early

Shark nets at 11 patrolled beaches on the Central Coast will be removed on March 31, one month earlier than in previous years.

The change, directed by the NSW Government, is part of the updated 2024-25 NSW Shark Management Program.

The beaches affected are Lakes Beach, Soldiers Beach, The Entrance, Shelly Beach, Terrigal Beach, North Avoca Beach, Avoca Beach, Copacabana Beach, MacMasters Beach, Killcare Beach and Umina Beach.

Central Coast Council Director Community and Recreation Services Melanie Smith said Council supports the NSW Government’s decision to remove the shark nets a month earlier to avoid the peak turtle migration period.

“The NSW Government is implementing these changes to prioritise the safety of beachgoers while increasing protections for marine life,” Smith said.

“As the removal is taking place during the Council’s lifeguard patrol season, which concludes on April 27, Council lifeguards will continue to patrol these beaches until the end of the season.”

Central Coast Mayor Lawrie McKinna said the safety of locals and visitors to Central Coast beaches remains paramount.

“As a regular swimmer at Terrigal Beach, I understand the importance of swimming between the flags and urge locals and visitors to continue doing this at our patrolled beaches,” he said.

“Although the shark nets are being removed, Council lifeguards and surf lifesavers continue to implement other shark mitigation measures to help keep beachgoers safe, so please follow their advice.”

In addition to removing the shark nets one month earlier, the NSW Government is using drones to check nets throughout March, and the net boats will be out more frequently during this time doing extra net checks.

The NSW Government is also trialling LED lights on shark nets at Central Coast beaches, aiming to reduce catches of endangered turtles and other threatened species during periods of relatively high abundance.

The NSW Government has not yet confirmed whether the shark nets will be reinstated for the next season.

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