Controversial measures to prevent another shark mauling
In a shocking incident, Leah Stewart, a 34-year-old mother of a young baby, survived a shark attack at Sydney's Coogee Beach in June. The attack left her in a coma for 10 days and required multiple surgeries, including an arm amputation. During a recent interview, Ms. Stewart recounted the traumatic experience, emphasizing her gratitude for her survival and the motivation she derives from protecting her daughter.
Speaking on Monday, NSW Acting Premier Prue Car praised Ms. Stewart's resilience, stating that her government will employ all possible measures to ensure beach safety, including controversial shark mitigation efforts. Over 50 shark nets will be deployed across a 250km stretch between Wollongong, Sydney, and Newcastle. Despite criticism for harming non-targeted marine wildlife, such as turtles and dolphins, Agriculture Minister Tara Moriarty defended the use of these nets, citing their role in enhancing beach safety.
The government's $120 million package, announced in June, includes AI drones and 300 baited buoys, which have already detected 750 sharks and tagged over 1700 great white, 1000 tiger, and 375 bull sharks. Real-time notifications of nearby sharks are provided through the NSW SharkSmart app.
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