BYRON SHIRE Mayor Simon Richardson has reissued his call for NSW Government support for non-lethal control of sharks off Shire beaches.
Council recently resolved to contact the Minister for Primary Industries, Hon Niall Blair, thanking him for ongoing support for non lethal, evidence based responses to shark mitigation in the Byron Shire and requesting feedback on its recently completed shark spotters program at Wategos beach.
Council wants further trials at Broken Head, Cosy Corner and the Pass to be held alongside drone surveillance trials in order to obtain comparative data on strengths and weaknesses of both.
Mayor Richardson said another recent shark attack had understandably cause distress and concern in his Shire.
“Byron has a strong love and respect of the ocean and the recent spate of shark attacks in the region have again bought the issue of shark netting to the conversation table in many homes.
“Whilst the NSW state government has talked of shark nets, our community has not been supportive of this as a shark mitigation measure.
“Our beaches are part of a Marine Park and since November last year we’ve consistently requested support from the NSW government for non-lethal shark mitigation measures. This includes land shark spotter programs and aerial surveillance patrols with drones or gyrocopters.
“Our recent shark spotter trial at Watego’s with Sea Shepherd was considered successful and we’ve requested that the NSW government fund and extend the program to Broken Head, Cosy Corner and the Pass.
“Combined with drone and aerial technology, we’re keen to look at non-lethal shark mitigation that suits our shallow profile beaches,” he said.
Mayor Richardson said Council and staff are meeting next week with the Deputy Director General from the Department of Primary Industries and his staff, to further discuss technology, programs and funding available to Byron Shire.
“We need funding support for ongoing shark mitigation programs.
“Whilst we recognise that Council is not the approval authority when it comes to the ocean, we respectfully request that the state government talks with our residents and they partner with our community to arrive at an outcome that is appropriate for our beaches.
“We need support now,” he urged.