2026-06-17
The Greens call for urgent federal leadership and funding for more effective shark bite mitigation measures in the wake of the recent tragic incident that occurred on Coogee Beach.
The call comes after a ban on flying life-saving shark-spotting drones over Coogee Beach was lifted yesterday – yet Surf Life Saving NSW admitted it only has funds to fly drones there until the end of June.
Lines attributable to Greens spokesperson for healthy oceans, Senator Peter Whish-Wilson:
“If we want to transition from lethal shark control programs that don’t work, to more effective and sophisticated approaches that protect marine wildlife and ocean-users, the federal government has an important role to play – starting with leadership and funding.
“Shark-spotter drone surveillance at beaches is one of the most effective shark mitigation strategies available and can significantly help protect ocean-users from traumatic shark encounters.
“Surf Life Saving NSW has admitted it only has funds to fly life-saving shark-spotter drones over Coogee Beach until the end of June.
“Clearly this is an untenable situation and I implore the federal government to urgently commit funds to ensure that not only is Coogee Beach protected by a long-term drone shark-spotter program into the future, but that shark mitigation strategies are deployed at all of our country’s most popular and iconic coastal destinations.
“A Greens-led Senate inquiry into shark mitigation found the matter requires a nationally coordinated approach and the federal government needs to show leadership in striking the right balance between reducing the risk of shark encounters and conserving nature.
“The Senate inquiry recommended governments help keep ocean-users safe by supercharging investment in modern-day shark mitigation techniques. This includes investing in public education, shark shield personal deterrent devices, shark-spotter drone surveillance programs, eco-shark barriers, and bite-proof wetsuits. The federal government has failed to take any action on this critical matter of public importance, despite the fact it could save lives.
“It’s predictable that some people would come out of the woodwork following shark incidents and call for shark culls or the implementation of lethal shark mitigation techniques – they’re coming from a place of fear and preaching opinions based in myth and misinformation.
“We have plenty of evidence on what is needed to improve shark bite mitigation – what we lack is federal leadership and funding.”