Collaborative approach to shark bite response kits
Published on 19 March 2025
City of Coffs Harbour Council has resolved to support community-led initiatives and work with the NSW Government toward a rollout of shark bite response kits on local beaches.
At its meeting on 13 March 2025, Council received a report on a Shark Bite Emergency Response Program.
The report noted the State Government’s work in this area, and the efforts of the Emerald Beach community who fundraised to install shark bite kits on existing City infrastructure.
Shark bite kits typically contain tourniquets, a compression bandage and dressings, a thermal blanket, whistle and step-by-step instructions on treatment.
“The NSW Government already runs a Shark Management Program where it has partnered with board riding clubs. It would potentially be a duplication and confusing for the community if the City was to go off on its own - so instead we’ll lobby the State for additional investment,” City of Coffs Harbour Mayor Nikki Williams said.
“We’ll be writing to the Agriculture Minister to seek further program funding, which would support more shark bite kit installations in the local area.”
Council also resolved to back community-led initiatives to install and maintain shark bite kits using City infrastructure.
“The State’s Shark Management Program is delivered in a number of ways in the Coffs Harbour Local Government Area,” City Planning and Communities Acting Director Ian Fitzgibbon said.
“These include aerial surveillance and the use of drones, shark tagging and listening stations, smart drumlines and the availability of apps to track shark movements.”
The NSW Government says its Shark Management Program is the largest and most comprehensive of its kind in the world.
In Coffs Harbour, it's played out through 15 SMART drumlines/tagging, one tagged shark listening station and a drone operated by Surf Life Saving NSW.
People can download the NSW Department of Primary Industries SharkSmart app through the iTunes store here and for android devices through Google Play.
Photo:
A shark bite kit installed adjacent to a remote rescue tube installation at Emerald Beach.