NSW shark nets plan scuppered by rough seas
Plans to install an eco-friendly shark barrier off New South Wales' north coast have been scrapped due to rough sea conditions.
There were 18 shark attacks between Byron Bay and Evans Head between 2000 and 2015, four of them were at Ballina's Lighthouse Beach and two at Lennox Head.
The two beaches were earmarked for the installation of barriers as part of a NSW Government trial in response to the number of shark attacks in the area.
However, the barrier at Ballina's Lighthouse Beach has been scrapped because of ongoing rough conditions.
Ballina Mayor David Wright said he always knew the Ballina trial would be difficult because of the large swell at the beach.
"I feel sorry for the manufacturer, because he's put a lot of time and a lot of effort into it, and just to see a person trying to do the right thing and it can't work, so it's been difficult," said Mr Wright.
But Mr Wright said he hoped something could be put in place in a few months to give warnings of sharks.
He raised the possibility of using of drones, helicopters and flashing lights on the headland.
Other options have been suggested along other parts of the NSW coast, including listening stations that monitor the movement of sharks and tweet warnings to beachgoers.
Mr Wright also said new trials of shark barriers were planned for Ballina and other plans to install a smaller, different barrier were progressing at nearby Seven Mile Beach at Lennox Head.
"I think it will certainly work," he said.
"I know the surf club people, parents are certainly happy that the nippers can go out and things like that, and it shows you that this type of technology, ... the one at lighthouse or the one at Lennox, might only be suitable for covering smaller areas."
Surfers not convinced about barriers
The eco-barrier is marketed as environmentally friendly because marine life can colonise the plastic and nylon netting.
However, not everyone is supportive of the shark protection measure.
Surfrider Foundation President and local surfer Mark Hernage said concerns people could become entangled in the nets were being ignored.
He said, while it was thought the beach was being made safe for swimmers, surfers' concerns had fallen on deaf ears.
"I think a lot of people got caught up in the emotion of a shark attack which does happen," he said.
"I think a level-headed approach would be needed in any decision made about what's going to be suitable for a beach, especially Lighthouse Beach."