As part of the New South Wales Government’s $16 million Shark Management Strategy, Illawarra-based Touchdown Helicopters has been announced as the successful contractor to conduct aerial surveillance to detect sharks. The patrols will be conducted along beaches from South Wollongong to Moruya until April 2017.
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Kiama MP Gareth Ward said that Touchdown Helicopters are set to begin conducting patrols on 17th December 2016, which will increase the safety of beaches.
“The New South Wales Government has committed to using aerial surveillance to help protect beachgoers on the NSW coast while it continues to forge ahead with trials of new and emerging technology under the $16 million Shark Management Strategy,” he said.
“This is fantastic news for our region, and gives beachgoers a real sense of security when taking to the water at many of this region’s beautiful beaches.”
Mr Ward said recent programs have been successful in alerting authorities when a shark poses a potential danger to swimmers.
“This ‘eye in the sky’ will be able to detect sharks in the water and alert beachgoers and beach authorities during those busy school holidays,” he said.
“If a shark is spotted and it is deemed to be posing a danger to beachgoers, then the helicopter will use its siren and loud hailer to immediately alert swimmers and surfers and clear them from the water.
“It will also be immediately reported to local beach authorities, and the helicopter will stay on site until the beach authorities take over the situation.”
With more than 14 shark attacks recorded for New South Wales over the past year, increased surveillance will allow beachgoers to stay informed of any potential sightings. The New South Wales Department of Primary Industries will also tweet the information using the handle @NSWSharkSmart, as well as publish any updates on the SharkSmart app.
Mr Ward said patrols conducted along the NSW coast have been successful.
