Beaches across the Ballina Shire have been closed for at least the next 24 hours after a surfer suffered lacerations to his leg following an encounter with a shark at Sharpes Beach today.
The man was surfing in a group at the popular location when he was bumped by a shark shortly before midday.
He was later able to transport himself to hospital for further treatment.
As a result of the incident, lifeguards, police, and the council have closed all beaches across the area.
Warnings signs have been erected and lifeguards will remain on-scene to alert beachgoers. People are encouraged to avoid Sharpes Beach.
Lifeguard assets including a jet ski from nearby Lennox Head are currently conducting a sweep of the area.
The species of the shark involved is not known and the matter has been referred to the NSW Department of Primary Industries for further investigation.
A decision on when to reopen the beaches will be made tomorrow in consultation with all stakeholders.
For four decades The Echo has printed the stories some people loved, some people hated, and some pretended not to read. If you want us to keep telling the truth, the real truth, not the sugar-coated version. We’ll need your support to keep the presses rolling. 
