Central Coast Council calls to scrap shark nets

Central Coast councillors have voted to urge Agriculture Minister Tara Moriarty to abandon the reinstallation of shark nets at Terrigal beach in favor of modern mitigation technologies. The motion was prompted by concerns for a local adolescent seal, known as Terri, who has become a community fixture after residing in the area's rockpool for the past month.

Advocacy groups, including the Animal Justice Party, have joined calls to remove the nets, citing the risk of entanglement and drowning for marine life. Councillor Kyle MacGregor argued that shark nets are not a definitive solution and often harm non-shark species. Other officials suggested implementing innovative alternatives such as drones and shark listening stations to ensure the safety of both swimmers and wildlife.