Local Funding for Shark Surveillance

Local councils and surf clubs in our community are invited to apply for grants to improve shark surveillance at beaches in the area, under the NSW Government’s Shark Observation Grants Program.

Member for Kiama Gareth Ward, said the Government is encouraging beach authorities to apply for grants to ensure local shark mitigation measures and infrastructure match the needs of the community.

“Our beaches are integral to the fabric of our community, and keeping them safe is a major priority for the Government,” Mr Ward said.

“The Shark Observation Grants Program helps ensure lifesavers, lifeguards and beach authorities are better equipped to monitor our beaches – not just to look for sharks, but also for people in distress to ensure help gets to them as soon as possible.

“Local coastal councils, Surf Life Saving NSW, the Australian Professional Ocean Lifeguards Association (APOLA) and Marine Rescue NSW are all invited to apply for funding.

“This is a great opportunity for these organisations, which already do such wonderful work for the community, to further enhance the protection they offer visitors to our beautiful beaches.”

Mr Ward said funding is available for drones, observation towers and equipment, emergency evacuation alarms and communication systems on beaches and headlands for effective shark detection, and community awareness and enhanced bather safety.

“Applications can be for new equipment, or for improvements to existing shark detection infrastructure, and joint applications are encouraged,” Mr Ward said.

The Shark Observation Grants Program complements the NSW Government’s $16 million Shark Management Strategy, which includes trials of SMART drumlines, a network of VR4G listening stations, and helicopter and drone aerial surveillance along the NSW coast.

The Shark Observation Grants Program is administered as part of the Shark Meshing (Bather Protection) Program.

For more information, or to apply for a grant, visit https://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/fishing/sharks/management/shark-observation-grant-program