Independent Pittwater MP Jacqui Scruby says the NSW Government’s announcement of $2.5m over the weekend to expand shark-mitigation drone programs is a positive step - but she’ll continue to push for funding for comprehensive metro beach coverage in the 2026 NSW Budget.
She said the recent attacks - including the tragic loss of local surfer Mercury Psillakis at Long Reef - underlined the need for modern, evidence-based technology.
“The Psillakis’ family’s grief and their ongoing advocacy with local MPs, Ministers and the Premier, has led to this funding announcement - one that will benefit our whole community and beyond.”
Ms Scruby says investment in Surf Life Saving NSW and Surfing NSW’s proven Shark Mitigation Drone Programs for metro beaches, including in Pittwater, is necessary in light of high participation in surfing, nippers and surf safety programs.
“This expansion is progress. Boardriders clubs in the Northern Beaches, including Long Reef, will be given drones, but we need to increase the number of beaches with SLS NSW drones. At the moment we only have three," Ms Scruby said.
“I’ll be pushing for further funding in the next NSW Budget for SLS NSW drone surveillance on all metro beaches, including across the Northern Beaches and for year on year commitment.”
“Technology matters. We don’t want nippers, teens doing their Surf Certificate Program, or boardrider comps losing trust in beach safety. Shark nets give false confidence. Drones give real-time information. The risk can never be eliminated, but it can be better managed with modern technology.”
Surf Life Saving NSW and Surfing NSW already run highly effective drone detection and training programs across the state. Last year SLS NSW drones operated at 50 beaches and covered 160,000 km of coastline, detecting more than 1,000 sharks and triggering 850 management actions - sirens, evacuations and targeted warnings.
The Northern Beaches SLS NSW drones currently operate only at Palm Beach, South Narrabeen and Dee Why - and only during school holidays, however these will now start one week earlier. Before this annoucement, our local boardrider clubs missed out on specialist drone equipment and training being rolled out elsewhere, including to Cronulla Girls Boardriders and Avoca Boardriders. It’s wonderful our boardriders will now have the capacity to keep themselves as safe as possible with this technology.”
“We owe it to our community to use the safest, smartest technology available - and I’ll be doing everything I can, and working with other MPs on the Northern Beaches to secure further investment in the next NSW Budget.”