Latest news with #BondiBeach
ABC News
3 days ago
- Politics
- ABC News
NSW government asks Sydney and Central Coast councils to join trial to remove shark nets
Bondi Beach is among several potential areas along the New South Wales coast that could soon trial the removal of shark nets. The state government this week wrote to Waverley, Northern Beaches and Central Coast councils asking them to join a trial and to nominate a beach where shark nets could be removed. When asked on Sunday, senior government minister Ryan Park said the government was "looking at the data" on shark nets. "I think it's an opportunity for them to use the technology," he said. "We know the problems with nets are widespread, in particular around getting other species of marine life caught in those areas." While admitting the decision is ultimately in the hands of the state government, Waverley Mayor Will Nemesh said should shark nets be removed at Bondi Beach he expected "additional measures" to be funded. Those measures include increased shark drone surveillance and deployment of smart drum lines in place of shark nets. "This is why we are only supportive of shark net removal if there is a significant increase in additional shark mitigation strategies provided for and funded by the state government." Out of the three main beaches in the Waverley Council area — Bondi, Bronte and Tamarama — only Tamarama has no shark nets. The shark net currently in place at Bondi only covers 150 metres of the 1 kilometre stretch of coastline. Northern Beaches Council, which counts popular Manly Beach under its control, said it "welcomed" the move by the government. Bite Club founder Dave Pearson, who survived being attacked by a three-metre bull shark in Crowdy Head in 2011, said he would support what the science said was best. Since forming the club he has amassed a group of more than 500 people who have survived interactions with sharks. "There's 51 beaches that use them [shark nets] and there's 305 smart drum lines and they've been quite effective," he said. "It catches the shark, it doesn't kill it and then it kind of leaves the coast for quite a while. I'm up for whatever the scientists believe is the best thing to do, where I surf we have nothing. "I've tried everything, from camo wetsuits to the fridge magnet you strap to your ankle. I'm keen not to get bitten again, it wasn't a fun experience.
Daily Telegraph
4 days ago
- General
- Daily Telegraph
Revealed: Which Sydney beaches could lose shark nets this summer
Don't miss out on the headlines from NSW. Followed categories will be added to My News. Exclusive: Shark nets could be ripped out at some of Sydney's most popular beaches – including world-famous Bondi – this summer for the first time since the 1930s, as the Minns government faces mounting pressure from greenie suburban councils. This is despite no fatal shark attacks being recorded on protected Harbour City beaches since the 1930s and the state government's own shark management experts confirming dangerous species, such as bull sharks, are lurking around our beaches for longer due to warmer water temperatures. The shock move has prompted tourism businesses to warn just one shark attack could derail the lucrative tourist trade. The Sunday Telegraph can reveal Waverley, Northern Beaches and Central Coast councils have been asked to nominate one beach where they want shark nets removed this summer – after pushing to have them all scrapped. In a letter sent to their mayors this week, the three councils were invited to 'participate in the trial' and choose 'one beach … you do not want netted in the 2025/26 shark management program'. Shark management experts have confirmed dangerous species, such as bull sharks, are lurking around our beaches for longer due to warmer water temperatures. Picture: Fiona Ayerst The offer comes after eight coastal councils that usually deploy shark nets, spanning 51 beaches from Newcastle to Wollongong, all voted to dump the meshing program due to concerns about marine life bycatch in the last year. For Waverley Council in the eastern suburbs, there are only two netted beaches to choose from – Bondi and Bronte – meaning two of the busiest and most famous beaches in the country could have no nets this summer. Northern Beaches Council has 13 locations to choose from including Manly, Palm Beach, Dee Why and Narrabeen beaches. On the Central Coast, Terrigal, Avoca, Copacabana and Umina Beach are up for selection. The three councils were chosen for the trial as they have been the most vocal about doing away with meshing after the state government looked to give councils the choice to remove nets – an offer that has since been walked back. Councils have been given until August 22 to nominate their selected beaches to go net-free. Shark nets are due to be installed on September 1. However, Premier Chris Minns and his ministers will ultimately have the final say next month. SW Shark Management program leader Marcel Green deploying the daily drum lines off Manly Beach. Picture: Thomas Lisson If it goes ahead, it will be one of the biggest changes to the state's meshing program since it was introduced in 1937. But this would not be the only change, with nets set to be removed one month early again next year after they were taken down on March 31 to ensure they did not affect migrating turtles. This is despite NSW Shark Management program leader Marcel Green warning that, as water temperatures warm, bull sharks are hanging around our beaches for longer and 'arriving earlier and leaving later by a few days' in spring and autumn. Surfing writer Fred Pawle said the nets, which are 150m long, six metres deep and set 10-12m below the surface, are designed to have a 'mouse trap effect', which he claimed is needed more than ever. 'Fisherman, divers, surfers and swimmers are all reporting that shark numbers are out of control,' Mr Pawle said. 'So it's not a sensible decision to remove nets. It's deliberately endangering lives in order to pander to Green voters, most of whom never go in the water.' Sarah Charlton, Eden Lorenia and Alice Charlton say the nets give beachgoers 'peace of mind'. Picture: Jonathan Ng More than 50 sharks were sighted on Sydney say beaches in the last month alone, according to independent shark alert system Dorsal. For Kensington twins Alice and Sarah Charlton, 20, and their cousin Eden Lorenia, 25, the nets give beachgoers 'peace of mind' knowing how many sharks 'are out there'. Businesses relying on tourism dollars, such as Manly Surf Guide, are also nervous about nets being removed. Owner Ryan Hayfield said taking the nets down would not have an immediate impact on his surf lessons but, if there was a shark attack, visitors would 'freak out' and it would 'definitely impact the tourism industry'. Go Beyond Tours co-owner Mark Bryant shared a similar concern for his coastal sightseeing trips, saying: 'I would prefer to keep the shark nets in … if there were a spate of attacks or sightings it would have an impact (for us)'. Maroubra surfers Tom Jones and Charlie Black said 'all types of protection' should be used until alternatives are 'more reliable'. Picture: Thomas Lisson Randwick Council was spared from the trial to the relief of local Maroubra surfers Tom Jones, 19, and Charlie Black, 18, who said 'all types of protection' should be used until alternatives are 'more reliable'. It comes after last summer was only the second time the full suite of safety measures – including more than 300 smart drum lines, listening stations and drones – were used alongside traditional meshing as part of the annual NSW Shark Management program. Humane World for Animals marine biologist Lawrence Chlebeck called the nets '1930s technology and attitude' with almost 90 per cent of animals caught deemed non-target species. 'Not only do they kill threatened native species like grey nurse sharks and turtles, they are incapable of reducing shark attacks,' he said. 'We've had nearly a century of improvements in technology and our understanding of shark behaviour, and it's time to ditch the nets for good.' Agriculture Minister Tara Moriarty oversees the state's shark net policy and said, despite the growing push to have meshing completely removed, the safety of beachgoers remained the 'government's number one priority'. 'We have invested more than $42 million over the last two years on ensuring we have the world's leading shark management program to protect our communities … we will continue that approach in the best form available,' Ms Moriarty said. Do you have a story for The Telegraph? Message 0481 056 618 or email tips@
Yahoo
16-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Aussie who got job ‘on the spot' reveals how he's now earning $400,000 a year
A Sydney real estate agent claims he is earning $400,000 a year after being in the industry for more than a decade. The man's salary is on par with some of the country's highest earners, including jobs like surgeons and anaesthetists. The man was stopped on the boardwalk at Bondi Beach by Getahead, a jobs app that has gone viral online for quizzing people about their jobs and salaries. The man shared he started his real estate career 11 years ago. 'I just went straight into sales. I got a random open day invite to this real estate agency and just got the job on the spot,' he said. RELATED Young Aussie earning $300,000 a year in job reveals reality of 'mind-boggling' salary $105,000 superannuation warning over growing 'mini-retirement' trend Aussie tradie loses $110,000 house deposit due to small detail The man said it took him "about five years" to start making really good money in real estate. While he said he was now earning about $400,000 a year, average real estate agent salaries are much lower. Australian Taxation Office (ATO) data revealed the average real estate sales agent earned $100,531 per year in the 2022-23 income year, while the median income was $69,157. That's based on the 76,292 people working in the job. Male real estate agents earned higher salaries, on average, at $129,743 per year, while females earned $78,817 on average. Real estate agent commissions are typically a percentage of the property's sale price and are negotiable. The man said the most expensive house he had sold was $35 million last year. 'One of my ultimate goals is to sell a house over $100 million,' he said. While the industry can be a lucrative one, it does involve long hours. The man shared he was working from 7.30am to 6pm Monday to Friday, and on Saturdays showing open homes. He only gets Sundays off. Sunshine Coast real estate agent Ethan Forbes recently shared he was earning $300,000 a year and had been in the job for just two years. Forbes said he worked 12-hour days, six to seven days a week, for the first year of his career to try and make it. Last financial year, he said he brought more than $500,000 in gross commission income, which he splits with his agency LJ Hooker. The Sydney real estate agent said his best advice for people starting off in the industry was to surround yourself with the right people. 'Try to wiggle your way into a very high-performing team. If you surround yourself with like-minded people, you can get into better doors and bigger doors,' he said. At $400,000 a year, the man's salary is nearly as high as some of the highest-paying jobs in the country. The ATO recently revealed the top-paying jobs in Australia, based on the tax return data of millions of people from the 2022-23 income year. Surgeons topped the list with an average salary of $472,475 a year, followed by anaesthetists at $447,193. Financial deals rounded out the top three with an income of $355,233 per year on in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data
News.com.au
13-07-2025
- News.com.au
How the best Aussie town has evolved over the past 25 years
From Bondi Beach to Byron Bay, Brisbane through to Ballarat and everywhere in between. Australia is filled with the quaint and the quirk when it comes to towns and cities alike - but which is the best? To celebrate the launch of the new app, we're celebrating the people, places and events we'll never forget from the first quarter of the 21st century by asking for Australia's view. Our 25@25 series will finally put to bed the debates you've been having at the pub and around dinner tables for years – and some that are just too much fun not to include. The Economist Intelligent Unit's annual Global Liveability Index ranked Australia as having three of the top 10 spots on the 2025 list of most liveable cities in the world. Melbourne once again beat rival Sydney, coming in at number four on the chart, while the Harbour City came in sixth and Adelaide was ninth. But we're more interested in where you choose to visit when the budget can't accomodate an international flight. Of course there are plenty of hotspots away from our major urban centres. The ever-popular Byron Bay of the early 2000s has been joined by the quieter neighbouring spot of Yamba as a favourite in recent years, while the Outback and tropical environs of northern Queensland offer unique pleasures. So when asking some well-travelled Aussie faces to narrow down their top five locations from around the country they've visited over the past 25 years, we didn't limit them to the capitals. And it's fair to say when it comes to what's ranked well — good food, a decent coffee and plenty of coastline reign supreme. Teigan Nash - TV presenter, Sydney Weekender Top Pick: Kimberley, Western Australia The Kimberley is a realm where connection, serenity, and wonder converge. Walking amongst the rugged red dirt to then be immersed in deep green fern-fringed pools of Zebedee Springs, nestled in the heart of El Questro. It's a place that invites you to pause, listen, learn and be enveloped by its timeless beauty. 2. Kakadu, Northern Territory 3. Lady Elliot Island, Queensland 4. Forster, New South Wales 5. Great Barrier Reef and Atherton Tablelands, Tropical North Queensland Jana Frawley - Content Director, Escape TOP PICK: Yulara, Northern Territory With a bank, supermarket, service station and school, Yulara is like any other small Australian town, but it has one big difference: it's right next door to the awesome natural wonders, Uluru and Kata Tjuta. If you've visiting - as I have done five times in the past 30 years - it's where you'll eat, drink, sleep and rest in accommodation ranging from a DIY camp site to one of the most expensives lodges down under. Then, you head out to the nearby national park and its world-famous and culturally significant landmarks, jaw agape every time. Yulara rocks! 2. Byron Bay, New South Wales 3. Noosa, Queensland 4. Leura, New South Wales 5. Healesville, Victoria Loren Barry - Co-host, The Hot Hits with Nic & Loren TOP PICK: Narooma New South Wales I almost didn't want to include Narooma because I don't want it to become spoiled, HOWEVER, it's far too beautiful to gatekeep. The beaches are perfection, the people are a delight and the Fish and Chips - unbeatable. Also, there's a chance you'll spot Orcas, and if there is Orcas involved, you know I'm there. 2. Fitzroy Victoria (specifically Gertrude Street) 3. Wilson's Prom Victoria 4. Daintree Rainforest Queensland 5. Blue Mountains New South Wales Rowena Ryan - Digital Editor, Escape TOP PICK: Thredbo, New South Wales Thredbo is no longer just about the winter season. While I still go skiing, I've spent summers, Christmases and Easters up in the Snowy Mountains - it's the perfect mix of stunning scenery, laid back Aussie holiday vibes and nature, whether it be golfing, swimming in the rivers, hiking to the top of Mt Kosciuszko or mountain bike riding it's my go-to for a week of switching off. 2. Broome, Western Australia 3. Barwon Heads, Victoria 4. Mudgee, New South Wales 5. Dunsborough, Western Australia Shaun White - Sunrise tech and travel expert TOP PICK: Ningaloo Reef, Western Australia This one took me by surprise. You hear about the Great Barrier Reef all the time, but Ningaloo? It's where the outback meets the reef. The colour contrast between red and turquoise is out of this world. It gets really hot in summer but you can swim with whale sharks. I'm booking my next visit right now. 2. Fitzroy, Melbourne 3. Maleny, Queensland 4. Hamilton Island, Queensland 5. Kangaroo Valley, NSW Angus Kidman - Travel Guru TOP PICK: Beechworth, Victoria This high country gem has charm without being twee, steeped in history and surrounded by gorgeous countryside and a brilliant rail trail. Finish your day of exploring at Bridge Road Brewers with a local IPA and a hot pizza - perfection. And no need to go to Melbourne first for out-of-staters - it's a quick hop from Albury. 2. Kingston, ACT 3. Dubbo, New South Wales 4. Glenelg, South Australia 5. Daylesford, Victoria Sam Frost, media personality and caravanning queen TOP PICK: Gib-River Road, Western Australia. We did this trip last year in our caravan. It was epic! All the beautiful waterfalls and gorges are truly magic. 2. Flinders Ranges, South Australia 3. K'gari, Queensland 4. Victorian High Country 5. Tasmania - I can't pick one spot! Beau Ryan, Triple M's Beau, Cat & Woodsy breakfast show TOP PICK: Bermagui, NSW A coastal town with a relaxed lifestyle, the most pristine beaches, and the best oysters in the country. A place where my family holds an annual reunion that holds a special place in my heart. Bridge jumping at Lake Cuttagee followed by ocean swims at the blue pool. Paradise, man 2. Uluru, Northern Territory 3. Hobart, Tasmania 4. Warilla/Barrack Point, NSW 5. Port Douglas (Daintree Forest) Queensland Matty Johnson, Dad and podcast host TOP PICK: Ulladulla - New South Wales It might not be the most exotic destination on my list but there's no where else I'd rather spend my time with the family. There's amazing restaurants, people are incredibly friendly and the beaches are some of the most pristine I've ever been to. Nothing beats fish and chips on the beach as you watch the whales migrate - so close it feels like they're in arms reach. 2. Byron Bay, New South Wales 3. Cairns, Queensland 4. Magnetic Island, Queensland 5. McLaren Vale, South Australia Sam Frickey, Australian Olympic Diver TOP PICK: Surfers Paradise, Queensland Absolutely love Surfers. There's a diving pool up the road in Southport where I train, but honestly, it's everything else around it that makes this place one of my all-time favourites. The main strip always has pumping street performers, epic food, and the perfect spot to shoot content. One of my best stays ever was this Airbnb apartment in Soul, right above the beach. I slept with the balcony door open and fell asleep to the sound of waves crashing. It was next level. During the day, I love doing mainies (that's where you walk up and down the main street and suss out what's going on). And the Gold Coast is one of the best places in Australia to do good mainies - there's always something happening, the vibes are high, and it's just got that classic Aussie energy that never gets old. 2. Cronulla Beach, New South Wales 3. Lightning Ridge, New South Wales 4. Great Barrier Reef, Queensland
Daily Mail
08-07-2025
- Health
- Daily Mail
BREAKING NEWS Paramedics swarm Bondi Beach as they fight to save swimmer's life
Several ambulances have been spotted at Bondi Beach. Reports of five to six ambulances at Sydney 's famous beach emerged on Wednesday morning. Daily Mail Australia understands paramedics were performing CPR.
