A planned new observation tower at Ballina’s Sharpes Beach to improve shark detection and beachgoer safety has been given a state government grant of almost $44,000.
Sharpes Beach is among a list of beaches to receive priority funding from the NSW Government under its Observation Tower Grants Program, which was increased from $30,000 to $200,000 this year as part of the Shark Management Bather Protection Program.
North Coast Nationals MLC Ben Franklin congratulated Ballina Shire Council for its successful application which received $43,761.50 to assist in the design and construction of the observation tower.
‘These projects are aimed at protecting beachgoers from Pambula to Ballina along the NSW coast and are a popular program to help improve safety for beach goers,’ Mr Franklin said.
‘Observation towers on beaches or beach headlands provide improved shark surveillance and improve safety for beachgoers,’ Mr Franklin said.
‘The towers provide a clearer line of vision for surf lifesavers and lifeguards to spot sharks, and are also useful for spotting people in distress and monitoring beach conditions.
‘Ballina Council under the leadership of mayor David Wright already do amazing work for the community and I hope this funding further enhances the protection they can offer visitors to our beautiful beaches,’ he said.
Seven programs along the NSW coast were successful in obtaining funding for projects including observation towers and emergency evacuation alarms.
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. 
