During a press conference at Coogee beach on Friday, NSW agriculture minister Tara Moriarty confirmed that the government is collaborating with the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (Casa) to enable Surf Life Saving NSW to operate drones over Coogee beach as part of its shark monitoring initiative.
Partnership and Exemption Details
Moriarty stated: "We've got a partnership with Surf Life Saving NSW and Surfing NSW to run a drone program. They haven't been able to fly drones over Coogee beach because of proximity to Sydney airport and Casa rules. Surf Life Saving NSW has applied to Casa for an urgent … exemption to be able to fly drones over Coogee Beach, that has been granted, and we, as a NSW government, will work with Surf Life Saving NSW to work with Casa to make sure that that becomes permanent."
The exemption allows the organization to conduct aerial surveillance for sharks, enhancing beach safety. The government aims to establish a long-term solution for drone operations in the area.
