Beachgoers will have an extra line of defence against shark attacks, with drones being trialled on weekends and every day during the school holidays.
This summer, nine beaches on the NSW North Coast will have drones with Shark Spotter technology. An additional two roving drones which will be fitted with a flotation device, an alarm and a loudspeaker.
The drones will complement up to 35 SMART drumlines between Evans Head and Lennox Head, helicopter surveillance and the second net trial.
Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW, John Barilaro, said the drones would give surf lifesavers live vision back to the beach and alert them to any potential hazards.
“This is the best in drone technology and will not only protect against sharks but also allow our lifesavers to help someone in trouble, ” Mr Barilaro said.
Trials by the Department of Primary Industries have shown that drones are an effective measure for detecting sharks.
The NSW Government has committed $430,000 towards the drone technology.