The NSW Labor party has released a six-point plan to protect swimmers and surfers from shark attacks along the north coast.
The move follows an attack on 25-year-old Seneca Rus in clear water at Sharpes Beach, Ballina, mid morning on Wednesday.
His attack comes just over two weeks after teenage surfer Cooper Allen was mauled by a shark at Lighthouse Beach.
And although Labor will not support a shark cull, the six-point plan includes support for a trial of traditional shark nets, despite widespread opposition from Greens MP Tamara Smith, Sea Shepherd and Australian Seabird Rescue.
North Coast shadow minister Walt Secord and Primary Industries shadow minister Mick Veitch both accused the Baird government of failing to protect north coast beach users.
‘As each day goes by, there are more and more reports on shark sightings on our State’s coastline – particularly on the North Coast,’ Mr Secord said.
‘The Baird Government has failed to deliver a workable plan to protect swimmers and surfers.’
Mr Veitch said swimmers and surfers were angry at the failure of the government to make the beaches safe.
‘Last year they held a shark summit. Since then, it has been a litany of errors,’ he said.
‘While Labor acknowledges that there are significant concerns about the impact of shark nets on other marine life, in particular dolphins, turtles, grey nurse and hammerhead sharks, it would support a trial, if it is accompanied by resources and technology that provides alerts – such as pingers – when there is something caught in the nets – supported by human patrols that can remove marine life that is caught,’ the party said in a statement.
The other part of the plan includes more watchtowers along the coast, increased drone surveillance, more tagging of sharks, support for local shark watch organisations and further education for swimmers and surfers to reduce the likelihood of shark attacks.
‘The Baird Government has failed to address the most basic and effective means of dealing with sharks – the need to complete the watchtowers and more support for local shark watch organisations to provide more eyes on our beaches so beach goers can be properly informed,’ the party said.
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