Darren Coyne
The Ballina Shire Council has backed the use of roving jet ski patrols to improve communications when sharks are sighted.
Cr Sue Meehan received the support of a majority of councillors for a motion calling for the roving patrols to be introduced during summer.
The idea was first mooted by the captain of the Lennox Head Surf Club Neil Kennedy who said jet ski operators could liaise with helicopters and lifeguards, and communicate quickly with swimmers or surfers.
Mr Kennedy wants to see two one-man shifts each day, with the operator roving between Seven Mile Beach and South Wall.
The operator would be in constant communication with surf clubs, life guards on duty and most importantly, any helicopters or fixed wing aircraft.
It is not clear at this stage how the jet ski patrols would be funded.
A further report will go to the next meeting of the council to clarify who would be responsible for funding the service, and how it would operate.
‘This motion is not about spotting sharks … it’s about communication so that when a helicopter or plane sees something, someone can communicate that with the surfers in the water,’ she said.
‘It’s a temporary thing at this stage because its seems the presence of sharks is a bit of an anomaly because of the bait balls.
‘They are a clear and present danger but hopefully they will go away.’
Mayor David Wright is also hoping that the increased numbers of sharks in the area will change in coming months.
‘Hopefully the sharks will go away but in the meantime it’s good that the government is keeping all of its promises and taking the situation seriously,’ he said.
‘They admit there’s not a technology that’s commercially available right now but they will continue with their tagging program and are looking at things like smart drum lines and eco-nets, which be used between Byron and Ballina.
‘Hopefully they will be increasing funding for aerial patrols as well,’ he said.
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