Independent Member for Pittwater Jacqui Scruby MP is calling on the NSW Government to commit to ending shark nets on the Northern Beaches and replace them with proven, modern alternatives that keep swimmers safe and protect marine life.

Ms Scruby said the Government’s recent decision to allow Council to remove one shark net was a welcome first step, but far from enough.

She has written to the Minister for Agriculture and the Minister for Environment calling on the Government to provide Northern Beaches Council with “comprehensive data and to work jointly with Council to ensure a well-informed and research based decision.

“I urged the Government to fund the implementation of best-practice alternative shark mitigation technologies.”

Earlier this month in Parliament, Ms Scruby gave notice of motion supporting a transition away from nets, which:

1. Notes the Government’s decision to allow Northern Beaches Council to remove one shark net.
2. Supports a more ambitious approach.
3. Calls on the Government to provide Council with comprehensive data and to work jointly with Council to make a well-informed decision.
4. Calls on the Government to fund the implementation of best-practice alternative shark mitigation technologies.

“Shark nets kill turtles, dolphins and endangered species - give an unfounded and false sense of security yet make no difference to swimmer safety. People understand that a 150 meter net on a two kilometer beach like Palm Beach is not effective. The alternatives are here, they’re effective, and they’re cost-neutral. The Government needs to back them now,” Ms Scruby said.

Ms Scruby also joined Independent MPs Alex Greenwich, Michael Regan and Greg Piper in writing to the Premier, warning that continuing the Shark Meshing Program would ignore scientific advice and community sentiment. The letter highlighted the lack of council support - with none of the eight councils with shark nets in favour of their continuation - and the strong preference for modern measures such as drones, SMART drum lines and listening stations. In the letter, the independents offered their public support for ending the use of shark nets and for continued investment in these effective, modern safety measures.