Kellie Sloane Calls for Permanent Shark Net at Nielsen Park
Published 24 June 2026
Calls are growing for the Minns Labor Government to install a permanent, year-round shark net at Nielsen Park to give local families and swimmers certainty at one of Sydney Harbour’s most treasured swimming spots.
Member for Vaucluse and NSW Leader of the Opposition, Kellie Sloane, said increased shark activity in the harbour and changing seasonal temperatures meant the longstanding approach of removing the net in cooler months was no longer practical.
"Locals and visitors love Shark Beach and many swim there year-round. But increasingly, people are telling me they are concerned about getting in the water once the net comes down, particularly as we see shark activity increasing in the harbour and water temperatures staying warmer for longer," said Ms Sloane.
“A permanent shark net is a practical measure to give swimmers peace of mind when they visit Nielsen Park. Our local community fought hard to get Nielsen Park re-opened after years of closure, and a year-round shark net would be a great way of helping families to enjoy this community asset all year.”
Ms Sloane has written to the Minister for the Environment and the Minister for Agriculture, requesting the Government fund and install a permanent, year-round eco-friendly shark net at Shark Beach.
Ms Sloane also called for the Department of Primary Industries to undertake further work to understand how many bull sharks there are in the harbour and provide better investment in technology, including permanent drone surveillance systems at our beaches.
