During a press conference at Coogee Beach, NSW Agriculture Minister Tara Moriarty confirmed that the government is collaborating with the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (Casa) to allow Surf Life Saving NSW to operate drones over the beach as part of its shark monitoring program.
Government Partnership and Exemption
Moriarty stated: “We have a partnership with Surf Life Saving NSW and Surfing NSW to run a drone program. They have not been able to fly drones over Coogee Beach due to its proximity to Sydney airport and Casa regulations. Surf Life Saving NSW has applied to Casa for an urgent exemption to fly drones over Coogee Beach, and that has been granted. As a NSW government, we will work with Surf Life Saving NSW to ensure this becomes permanent.”
Ongoing Efforts
The exemption marks a significant step in enhancing beach safety through aerial surveillance, with the government committed to making the arrangement permanent.
