IN response to the increase in shark attacks, the State Government is significantly expanding its investment in shark spotting drone technology to keep people safer in the water.
The government has committed funding that will provide year-round coverage and deliver the largest expansion of aerial shark surveillance in the world.
This will cost 120 million over the next two years.
During the past five years there have been multiple non-fatal injuries and two fatalities on the Mid-North Coast. In January 2026 a 39-year-old surfer was bitten on the leg and chest by a suspected bull shark while paddling out.
In November of 2025 at Crowdy Bay, a tragic incident left one woman dead and a man seriously injured following an attack by a suspected bull shark.
In May 2021 at Tungari Beach a man was fatally attacked by a shark while surfing.
As recently as Wednesday, 24 June, Town Beach, Port Macquarie was closed due to a drone sighting of a shark.
Under the expanded program, around 70 beaches will benefit from drone monitoring 365 days of the year, including at least one beach in every coastal government area.
This additional monitoring by Surf Life Saving NSW will prioritise beaches with high numbers of swimmers, surfers and paddlers including Sydney and the North Coast, where shark incidents have become more frequent.
Areas covered on the Mid-North Coast include Coffs Harbour and Port Macquarie Hastings beaches where at least one local government area’s beach will have 365 days per year coverage.
A number of other beaches will be covered daily from the 1 December until 30 April.
Outside of this period, school holidays and weekends will be covered during winter.
“We know people love getting out to our beaches, and they should feel confident doing it,” said NSW Premier, Chris Minns.
“While no one can ever promise no shark interactions, this investment is about putting more eyes in the sky so we can spot sharks earlier and give people a clear heads-up when they are in the water.”
Minister for Agriculture and Regional NSW, Tara Moriarty said that NSW had some of the most beautiful beaches in the world.
“We want people to enjoy them safely,” Ms Moriarty said. “This investment will deliver the most extensive aerial shark surveillance program we have ever had.”
By Bill HARROW
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