Shark nets were installed across all six of Newcastle’s patrolled beaches by the NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPI) earlier this week.

It’s all part of the state government’s $21.5 million management program. 

An upcoming trial to remove shark nets from three beaches in the Greater Sydney region has also been confirmed, with the results likely to determine future use of them across NSW.

Central Coast, Northern Beaches and Waverley councils agreed to work with government officials to determine the best locations for the program.

The nets, which have previously been installed annually from 1 September to 31 March, were removed a month early this year following increased turtle migration during that time period.

A similar scenario will occur again this season. 

At a meeting in January, Newcastle councillors voted to respond to the state government’s shark net survey. 

The use of other measures such as drone surveillance, listening stations and SMART drumlines was largely supported.

But, they did not reject the use of shark nets.

Newcastle Labor councillor Declan Clausen said while he supported eventual reliance on other measures for shark management, he wanted to see data from the trial. 

He added it was important the city’s beaches remain attractive and safe to beachgoers and that might require a mix of technologies. 

Newcastle Greens councillor Charlotte McCabe opposed the initiative.

She said the shark nets were not effective in protecting swimmers but instead posed a significant threat to native wildlife. 

“These 150m long nets do not form a protective barrier,” she explained.

“Sharks can easily swim over, under and around them.

“Unfortunately, they are very successful at trapping and killing marine life like dolphins, turtles and stingrays.”

Central Coast Liberal councillor Jared Wright said his community was keen for a trial, but the DPI’s chosen trial locations should be considered carefully to ensure an efficient rollout. 

“The vast majority of conversations I’ve had with people have been overwhelmingly supportive of this new technology and that’s made my decision easy,” he stated.

“[Other measures are] more effective and it protects our marine life.”

Data released by Humane World for Animals last year also showed that almost 90% of animals caught in nets during the 2024-25 season were non-target animals and, of those caught, 67% were killed. 

Mayor of Northern Beaches Council Sue Heins has said she was yet to hear from the state government about a trial location but welcomed mitigation measures over nets. 

“We’ve seen over and over again that modern technology, like smart drum lines, drones and listening stations, gives us much clearer information about sharks in the area than a shark net does,” she added.

“From the data, Palm Beach might be a good option.”

• University of Newcastle journalism student Tarni Cruickshank 

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