‘No easy shark fix’

THE “dismal failure” of the NSW government’s shark barriers on the north coast proves there’s no magic bullet when it comes to stopping shark attacks, a scientist says.

A Senate inquiry into shark mitigation and deterrent measures in Ballina yesterday heard from scientists, business owners and a shark attack survivor. A shark barrier trial at two north coast beaches was called off in 2016 after barriers failed to withstand conditions.

“There is a proportion of people who oppose a cull but feel safer knowing there are shark nets or drum lines there - which are in fact culling tools (anyway),” Bond University’s Daryl McPhee said.