'Nothing off the table': Coogee drone ban lifted, shark culls not ruled out

Drones are once again patrolling the skies above Coogee Beach, providing crucial aerial surveillance for shark sightings. This comes after a temporary exemption was granted, lifting a ban that had prevented their use due to the beach's proximity to Sydney Airport.

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Nothing is off the table.

The renewed focus on shark safety measures follows a serious incident on Saturday, where a 35-year-old woman was attacked while swimming between the flags, close to the shore. She sustained bites to her leg and arms and remains in stable but critical condition. Overhead vision suggests a large white shark, estimated to be between 3 to 4 meters long, was in the vicinity at the time.

In response to the attack, the NSW government has stated that "nothing is off the table," including the possibility of shark culls. Minister Tara Moriarty confirmed that the government is working with the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) to secure a permanent arrangement for drone use over the beach. "They haven't been able to use them over Coogee because of the airport," she explained, acknowledging that while drones were used at other nearby beaches, the situation is not perfect.

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They haven't been able to use them over Coogee because of the airport.

Significant investment has already been made in shark mitigation strategies, including education, research into shark movements, and increased drone surveillance. Coogee Beach and several others in the surrounding council areas remain closed as authorities continue to monitor the situation and work towards ensuring public safety in the ocean.

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We have to share the ocean every day.