A Ballina Shire councillor wants two more shark nets installed … one at Lennox Head and the other in the Richmond River near the Shaws Bay Caravan Park.
Cr Phillip Meehan has lodged motions to be considered at today’s meeting calling for an extra shark net to be installed in the surfing area directly east of the Lennox Head Hotel.
‘The surfing area directly east of the Lennox Head hotel, known as ‘front of the pub’ is the most popular and regular surfboard riding break for children, teenagers and surfing clubs on Seven Mile Beach,’ Cr Meehan said.
‘Le-Ba Boardriders Club, All Girls Surfriders Club and Lennox Longboarders use this surfing area on a near weekly basis. The Skullcandy Oz Grom Open is conducted there each July. Families surf with their children here each day.
‘This surfing zone should have the highest level of shark attack prevention applied. We must demand all actions be taken to prevent any harm coming to our children and young people from shark attack.’
Cr Meehan also wants the popular beach adjacent to the Shaws Bay Caravan Park protected by a shark barrier.
‘It is one of the most popular beaches in Ballina, with families and young and older people. Hundreds of people in the water and on the beach / reserve is a common sight on summer days,’ Cr Meehan said.
‘The beach is relatively free from wave action. The sand bottom has a gentle gradient and does not suffer from flood scouring. It does not get a build-up of flood debris in the rain season.
‘It is an ideal physical environment for the installation and success of a shark eco-barrier. Such a barrier is affordable and practical for this location.’
Cr Meehan said bull sharks presented a danger to swimmers.
‘Bull sharks are commonly sighted and reported in the Richmond River,’ he said.
‘They have been responsible for attacks and at least one fatality. Residents and visitors to Ballina would welcome and greatly appreciate this beach being made safe from the threat of shark attack.
‘An eco-barrier would provide a safe haven for swimmers who want an ocean ‘still water’ experience for fitness, fun and recreation.’
In Cr Meehan’s motion for Lennox Head he also calls for a monthly report that includes by-catch data from the nets already installed.
Staff pointed out that such data was released recently.
That data showed a Bottlenose Dolphin and a Green Sea Turtle were among 12 animals killed by newly installed shark nets along the north coast in the first month of their operation.
The net at Lennox Head killed a Australian Cownose Ray, a Longtail Tuna, two Hammerhead Sharks and a Bottlenose Dolphin.
No deaths were recorded at Sharpes and Shelley beaches in Ballina, although Lighthouse Beach accounted for two dead Hammerhead sharks, an Australian Cownose Ray and a Bull Shark.
At Evans Head the net killed two Australian Cownose Rays and a Green Turtle.
Cr Meehan’s motions will be debated at Wednesday’s meeting in the council chambers in Cherry Street, starting at 9am.
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