Chris Minns, it’s time to relegate shark nets to the past where they belong
Following reports today that the Labor government is likely to install shark nets off NSW beaches again from 1 September this year despite widespread community concern, Greens MP and Healthy Oceans spokesperson Cate Faehrmann is calling on the NSW Government to abandon the archaic and ineffective program and invest in the many alternatives that are more effective and marine life friendly.
“A change in government provided people with some hope that they’d listen to the experts and get rid of these ineffective and inhumane shark nets once and for all, so it’s incredibly disappointing that this seems to not be the case,” said Cate Faehrmann.
“We know that shark nets don’t provide any meaningful protection against attacks, yet for 8 months each year, our beaches become death traps for sharks and countless other marine animals including threatened species like turtles.
“Shark nets were first used at beaches more than 85 years ago. Now we know better and we have more effective and humane ways of keeping beach-goers safer in the water. It's time we left shark nets in the past where they belong.
“Coastal communities and local governments are ready and willing to work with the state government to provide alternatives to keep beach-goers safe and protect our threatened marine life at the same time. I’m calling on the Premier Chris Minns and the Agriculture Minister to resource councils so that they can roll out better measures to keep people safe at beaches, like drone surveillance, education and awareness campaigns and clever buoys.”