NSW Expands Shark-Spotting Drone Program

The New South Wales government has announced a major expansion of its shark-spotting drone program, allocating $34 million to enhance beach safety across 70 coastal locations. Premier Chris Minns emphasized that the initiative will operate year-round from dawn to dusk, marking the largest aerial shark surveillance expansion globally. The decision follows recent shark attacks, including an incident at Coogee beach involving a great white shark. The Age+2

🚁 Drone Surveillance Expansion

The program will deploy drones at approximately 70 beaches, with plans to increase patrols to 500,000 flights annually. Surf Life Saving NSW, which has already identified over 2,000 shark threats this year, will manage the operations. The initiative begins July 1, 2026, and includes testing AI systems for improved detection efficiency. The Guardian+2

🦈 Protected Species Policy

Premier Minns ruled out culling white sharks, stating they remain a protected species. Instead, the government will conduct an audit of bull shark populations. Federal cabinet minister Murray Watt supported the approach, noting the challenges of balancing public safety with environmental conservation. The Age+2

💰 Funding and Implementation

The $34 million investment will cover drone operations and potential AI integration. Beaches from Sydney to regional NSW will receive daily monitoring, with 72 locations initially included. The program aims to restore public confidence after recent attacks, including one that prompted the announcement. The Guardian+2

🌊 Community Safety Focus

The expanded surveillance targets high-risk areas following a fatal attack on a Sydney mother. Premier Minns stated the drones would operate "365 days a year" to prevent future incidents. Surf Life Saving NSW confirmed the technology has proven effective in early threat detection. ABC News+2