Shark surveillance aircraft will extend to the south coast of the Fleurieu Peninsula – between Waitpinga Beach, east of Victor Harbor, and the Murray Mouth – on weekends, school holidays and public holidays this summer.

A new $500,000 package aims to reduce the risk and impact of shark interactions for residents and visitors along the whole of South Australia’s coastline.

Delivered in conjunction with Surf Life Saving SA, the funding package includes additional measures introduced following community feedback and advice provided by the Shark Taskforce.

It will help South Australian communities deliver projects to support safety and awareness of the potential for shark encounters in coastal waters, as well as increased aerial surveillance for more community events across the state.

The funding support will enable Surf Life Saving SA to provide a suite of measures in regional communities, such as:

• Coastal Risk Assessments.
• Signage.
• Trauma Kits.
• Drones.
• Drone Operator Training.
• Education program support for regional schools.

The extra investment also allows the Westpac Lifesaver Rescue Helicopter Service to expand to the regions, covering community aquatic events between Robe and Whyalla to help keep participants and beachgoers safe. 

Earlier this year, Premier Peter Malinauskas announced the formation of a taskforce to review current shark mitigation arrangements in South Australia following multiple fatal shark attacks in state waters. 

The new measures have emerged from that work, and address education, early warnings of shark presence, and improved response tools.

These initiatives are in addition to the annual fixed wing aerial shark patrols of the highest risk beaches, which returned this month and run until the end of April 2025 – with daily patrols covering metropolitan beaches from North Haven to Rapid Head.

Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development Clare Scriven says there is always the chance of encountering sharks off the state’s world class beaches.

“Our mainland coastline is as long as those of Victoria and New South Wales combined – and our response must reflect South Australia’s vast and often remote conditions.

“This grant will enable a suite of measures to better educate and equip regional communities for the risks of shark interactions, utilising the networks and existing expertise of Surf Life Saving SA across the state.”