The NSW Government is expanding its investment in shark-spotting drones technology with year-round coverage in a $120 million Shark Mitigation Program.
The government will invest an additional $34 million in drones, including using artificial intelligence and emerging technology in a major scale-up of drone coverage across beaches in Sydney and along the NSW coast.
Under the expanded program, around 70 beaches will see drone monitoring 365 days of the year.
This expanded monitoring will start 1 July, with year-round coverage on Sydney beaches from Palm Beach to Cronulla. Drones will operate:
- From 1 July: 6:45am – 4:15pm
- September: 6:15am – 5:00pm
- October: 6:15am – 6:30pm
- November: 6:00am – 6:30pm
- December, January and February: 6:00am – 7:30pm
- March: 6:30am – 7:00pm
Coverage will not be limited to patrolled beaches, ensuring protection extends to popular, unpatrolled surf locations.
Pittwater MP Jacqui Scruby says her community’s confidence in the water will be significantly restored following the announcement, following her own calls for daily dawn-to-dusk drone coverage.
“Our coastal community’s calls for comprehensive dawn to dusk, 365-day coverage, better data collection and clearer public information for water users have been answered. This is a massive step change which will help restore community confidence in the ocean,” Ms Scruby said.
Ms Scruby called for the program to be optimised through engagement with key ocean stakeholders noting it can be used to build a stronger evidence base.
“This must be a program of continual improvement and co-design with ocean users and technical experts. Drone technology is incredible at detecting sharks, but it needs to go further, using AI, data collection and improved operations and communications.”
“We are entering a new normal as we adjust to more alerts and more sightings. I thank the Premier and Minister for today’s announcement and will continue to raise concerns from the Pittwater electorate as this program rolls out to ensure maximum transparency and information to reduce risk without destroying confidence,” said Ms Scruby.