Pittwater MP Jacqui Scruby says her community’s confidence in the water will be significantly restored following today’s announcement that NSW will have the world’s leading dawn to dusk drone program, 365 days per year, across Sydney beaches, including ‘every ocean beach from Palm Beach to Cronulla.’ 

“Our coastal community’s calls for comprehensive dawn to dusk, 365-day coverage, better data collection and clearer public information for water users have been answered. This is a massive step change which will help restore community confidence in the ocean,” Ms Scruby said.

The announcement follows calls from Ms Scruby for 365-day, dawn-to-dusk drone coverage, better data collection, and clearer public information for water users.

“The ocean is part of who we are and our daily lifestyle. Recent attacks shattered our confidence with ocean swims cancelled, numbers in nippers reduced and surfing comps and participation cancelled or down. We now have a world leading program to allow us to continue to use the ocean as we always have.”

“Surfers, ocean swimmers, and fishers are in the ocean from dawn, at dusk, all year and outside patrolled hours. We’ve been missing out on drone coverage when many locals were using the water most - it’s been like running a bus to the city without peak hour service.” 

Ms Scruby called for the program to be optimised through engagement with key ocean stakeholders noting it can be used to build a stronger evidence base on shark numbers, behaviour, bait balls, fish movement and changing ocean conditions. 

“This must be a program of continual improvement and co-design with ocean users and technical experts. Drone technology is incredible at detecting sharks, but it needs to go further, using AI, data collection and improved operations and communications.”

“We need to improve how this program has been operating. We can’t have people writing notes on car windscreens or posting on local FB groups. The SharkSmart app needs updating and people need clearer information on how it all works, when drones are flying, how shark sightings are communicated, and how the data is collected. The only way to get this right is to ensure that it is co-designed with key stakeholders.”

“We are entering a new normal as we adjust to more alerts and more sightings. I thank the Premier and Minister for today’s announcement and will continue to raise concerns from the Pittwater electorate as this program rolls out to ensure maximum transparency and information to reduce risk without destroying confidence,” concluded Ms Scruby. 

Details:

The announcement sees an additional $34 million to further fund drone and year-round coverage on top of a record $86.6 million 26/27 NSW budget investment in shark management.

Under the Government’s announced 2026/27 drone schedule, Sydney ocean beaches from Palm Beach to Cronulla will receive coverage 365 days a year, with drones operating:

• From 1 July: 6:45am – 4:15pm

• September: 6:15am – 5:00pm

• October: 6:15am – 6:30pm

• November: 6:00am – 6:30pm

• December, January and February: 6:00am – 7:30pm

• March: 6:30am – 7:00pm