Shark activity has marred the summer beach season, with Newcastle beaches closed for a record 10 days this month as a 5 metre great white shark swam close to shore. Photo: CLINTON DUFFY

Premier Mike Baird has pledged to boost public protection against shark attacks with a trial of cutting edge sonar detecting technology at NSW beaches if the Liberal and Nationals government is re-elected in March.

In Mr Baird's first election policy commitment, he said $100,000 would be spent on a technology trial at popular beaches. Surf life saving clubs will also be given specialist training and shark deterrent equipment.

"One thing we will not be doing in NSW is culling sharks," said Mr Baird."Instead, as well as continuing measures that have already proved successful, today I announce we will unleash new technology to make our beaches even safer for swimmers."

Three NSW swimmers or surfers have been killed by shark attacks in the past 18 months.

Advertisement

An apparent increase in shark activity has marred the summer beach season, with Newcastle beaches closed for a record 10 days this month as a 5 metre great white shark swam close to shore.

Sydney's Bondi Beach has been repeatedly closed after shark sightings, and two great white sharks were pulled from the Bondi nets within days as the first beach weather beckoned swimmers in November.

A teenager was hospitalised after a shark attack near Mollymook Beach on the south coast a fortnight ago.

Mr Baird said there are 51 shark nets from Newcastle to Wollongong, and NSW beaches were among the safest in the country, but "we can always do more".

Visit link:

Baird pledge: Shark detecting sonar to protect beaches