I'm calling for more funding in the 2026 NSW Budget to expand othe Surf Lifesaving NSW and Surfing NSW Shark Mitigation Drone Programs, particularly for metro beaches, including the Northern Beaches.

Metro beaches are missing out on drone surveillance for sharks and, after the tragic loss of Mercury Psillakis, we know we need this technology to keep the water as safe as possible for swimmers and surfers.”

Sharks are an inherent risk of entering the ocean - but it’s 2025 and too many beaches are missing out on the technology we know works. Metro beaches need the technology to spot sharks and relay real-time data for immediate management, if required.

Unlike shark nets which give false confidence, drones give evidence-based confidence. The risk can never be eliminated but can be managed. 

Surf Life Saving NSW and Surfing NSW already operate proven, effective drone programs and training across the state. What we need now is expansion.

• SLS NSW relies on professional pilots and volunteer lifesavers, currently operating at 50 locations across the state. 
• On the Northern Beaches, SLS NSW drones currently operate only at Palm Beach, South Narrabeen and Dee Why - and only in school holidays. 
• Statewide last year the program was at 50 beaches with drones covering 160,000 km of coastline, detecting 1,050 sharks. This triggered 850 management actions including sirens, evacuations, directed warnings, quite possibly saving lives.  
• 16 boardrider clubs across NSW are being equipped with expert drones and specialist training, including Cronulla Girls and Avoca Boardriders but none on the Northern Beaches. 

Please sign my petition if you would like to see the program expanded, and leave comments.