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SURFERS AT Byron Bay on the NSW north coast had a near escape yesterday when a 3.5m great white shark came within striking range before being chased away.
The close call came as the NSW government’s belated decision to take defensive action against sharks geared up with the capture of several of the creatures in recent days.
A spokeswoman for NSW Primary Industries Minister Niall Blair yesterday said the shark at Byron Bay had been dealt with in a “collaborative” effort.
“This morning a 3.5m white shark was spotted 50m offshore close to surfers at The Pass, Byron,” the spokeswoman said. “Siren sounded and surfers evacuated.
“NSW DPI aerial team and surf lifesavers were then able to herd the shark back out to sea.”
Five great white sharks were caught in northern NSW two days after controversial shark nets were deployed.