Ballina to consider shark spotting program amid barrier concerns

Ballina Shire Council is being asked to consider the establishment of a local shark spotting program to complement other shark mitigation measures.

But the call comes as those ‘other measures’ – mainly a proposed shark barrier at North Wall – are causing concern among boardriders.

Cr Keith Williams has lodged a notice of motion for Thursday’s meeting calling for a report into the viability of such a program.

His motion follows a visit last week by two South African shark experts, who ware involved in the Shark Spotters program in their home country.

Commenting on his motion, Cr Williams said shark spotting activities had been underway in South Africa for more than a decade.

Cr Williams said the South African shark spotters would be providing an assessment of potential locations for observation posts along the Ballina coastline.

He wants the council to back ‘practical support to the establishment of a local program.

‘The selection of observation sites is based not only on elevation, but also includes factors such as, water depth, substrate, visibility conditions and usage,’ Cr Williams said.

‘The motion does not pre-suppose any particular organisation or organisational structure that may eventually undertake these duties.

‘It is limited to seeking further information on the practical assistance council can offer to enable the physical activity to commence.’

Meanwhile, the Le-Ba Boardriders group held a meeting at North Wall in Ballina on Friday to protest against the placement of a shark barrier off North Wall.

The 700-metre barrier is one of two to be installed along the north coast as part of Premier Mike Baird’s $16 million shark strategy.

Boardriders fear the nylon-net structures planned for Lighthouse Beach and Lennox Head will not protect them, and will in fact pose a safety risk.