Shark nets could be removed at Bondi Beach amid a controversial move by Minns government
Shark nets could be scrapped at one of Australia’s most iconic beaches as the NSW government plans to remove nets across the state one month early.
Bondi Beach could soon be without its 150m-long meshing amid growing concerns for marine life being caught in nets off the NSW coast.
Following the decision to remove the nets one month earlier than usual on March 31, 2025, the Minns government is set to provide coastal councils with the choice to remove nets entirely if they can ensure the safety of swimmers and beachgoers.
The state government plans to introduce lighting fixtures near the nets to discourage turtles from swimming closer and drones will also be used more frequently to detect whether any animals have been caught.
Camera IconShark nets could be removed entirely if councils along the NSW coast can ensure the safety of beachgoers. NewsWire / Jeremy Piper Credit: News Corp Australia
The consultation process could mean some councils between Tweed and Bega will choose to have the nets removed, while others may elect to keep them in place.
Waverley Council, which encompasses Bondi and Bronte beaches, has long voiced its disapproval of shark meshing.
Shark nets at the popular beaches within the council area, which are 150m long, six metres high and sit at a depth of about 10 metres high, could be scrapped.
Last year, Waverley Mayor Paula Masseslos called on the state government to look at alternative mitigation strategies such as modern technology to help keep people safe at the beach.
Camera IconA report has found just 36 per cent of animals caught in nets were released alive between 2023 and 2024. Humane Society International (Australia) Credit: Supplied
While some nets may be removed, baited SMART drumlines, drone surveillance and listening stations will continue to operate across the NSW coast.
A Department of Primary Industries report revealed 255 marine animals were caught in shark nets off the NSW coast during the 2023 to 2024 period, with only 15 of the animals targeted sharks.
Just 36 per cent of all animals caught by the nets were released alive.
The report also found more than 90 rays and 29 marine turtles were caught in the nets, with a further 65 animals being endangered species.
This included 13 green turtles, five bottlenose dolphins and one humpback whale.
But new data has revealed removing the nets could come at a cost to tourism if the fear of shark attacks increased.
A NSW government survey found the tourism industry could experience an almost 15 per cent hit, as more than 14 per cent of respondents said they would not visit or would seriously reconsider visiting NSW if a shark attack were to occur.
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