The rollout of 15 new SMART drumlines from Tuncurry Beach to Seven Mile Beach has begun, as part of the NSW Nationals in the state government’s $21.4 million 2021/22 Shark Management Program.
Nationals Member for Myall Lakes Stephen Bromhead said the deployment of SMART drumlines was part of the world’s largest shark management program.
“There is an inherent risk every time we enter the water, however the NSW Government is committed to helping beachgoers feel safe when they head out,” Mr Bromhead said.
“We know this will mean a lot to the community considering the tragic fatal shark attack on Tuncurry beach in May this year. After that I called for SMART drumlines for our region and I am pleased we are getting so many to protect our shores.
“Not only will the Myall Lakes region benefit from these 15 SMART drumlines, drones use has also doubled this summer, operating at Black Head, Forster and Cape Hawke Surf Life Saving Clubs. This is in addition to the three VR4G shark listening stations we have.
“We have the most beautiful beaches in the world, and to make them as safe as possible for all to enjoy, we use a holistic approach utilising less invasive technologies.
“There is no other jurisdiction in Australia or across the globe which has done as much testing and trialling of technology and approaches to mitigate shark interactions as NSW, and the Myall Lakes area is an integral part of that.”
Mr Bromhead said the NSW Government had worked with local authorities to determine the best placement of these technologies in coastal locations.
“We have done the research and invested in new technologies,” Mr Bromhead said.
SMART drumlines are set every morning (weather dependent) approximately 500m offshore at a depth between 8-15m of water. They are collected at the end of each day and are not left overnight.
For more information on technologies used, visit www.sharksmart.nsw.gov.au.
The NSW Government encourages all beachgoers to be SharkSmart when entering the ocean or estuarine environments and download the SharkSmart app.
