Independent Pittwater MP Jacqui Scruby is calling for an expansion of the Surf Lifesaving NSW and Surfing NSW Shark Mitigation Drone Programs, particularly for metro beaches, in the wake of another tragic death and serious injury from a shark attack.

She called for more funding in the 2026 NSW Budget.

“One of my key asks for the NSW Budget will be for expansion of these proven programs to metropolitan beaches, including the Northern Beaches. For a few million dollars we can have better data, surveillance and safety.”

“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.”

Ms Scruby noted that kids’ participation in nippers and surfing are at record highs and we don’t want confidence eroded.

“Confidence is key. We don’t want numbers to drop from our boardriders, nippers or teens doing their Surf Certificate Program. Unlike shark nets which give false confidence, drones give evidence-based confidence. The risk can never be eliminated but can be managed without fearmongering - just effectiveness.”

“The NSW Government needs to get their act together and deploy the programs we know work.”

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. 

“This latest incident is incredibly distressing, and my thoughts are with everyone who was there, the victim’s loved ones and friends, and the whole community,” Ms Scruby said.