New South Wales will implement a $34 million program featuring drone patrols at 70 beaches year-round, aimed at improving safety following recent shark sightings and attacks. Premier Chris Minns announced that these drones will operate from dawn to dusk, enhancing monitoring efforts at popular swimming locations, including all of Sydney's ocean beaches.
The initiative will also trial artificial intelligence systems for shark detection, with the goal of automating surveillance. While officials acknowledge that no system can guarantee complete safety, the program seeks to boost public confidence in beach activities.