New South Wales is expanding its shark-spotting drone program, providing year-round monitoring at coastal beaches. Multiple reports say drones will operate every day of the year at about 70 beaches along the NSW coast, with one outlet citing an expansion to 72 beaches. Authorities announce the program as an expanded surveillance measure following a reported rise in shark attacks and sightings.
SBS and ABC report the funding boost as part of the state’s monitoring efforts, describing it as a A$34 million boost and framing the system as potentially moving toward greater automation over time, including eventual AI use. RTE similarly reports that year-round drone coverage begins from 1 July, with drones deployed across Sydney and surrounding areas.
While the exact number of beaches varies slightly between sources (70 vs 72), all accounts describe the same core approach: drones that patrol beaches 365 days a year as part of an expanded shark-monitoring scheme intended to improve detection and response. The program is linked in some reports to community concern after an attack involving a suspected white shark.
