New South Wales Agriculture Minister, Tara Moriarty, is optimistic about reopening the state’s beaches just in time for the upcoming long weekend public holiday.

On Thursday, Moriarty announced that the NSW government is in the final stages of launching an expanded shark management initiative, a response to the recent surge in shark attacks.

However, she has yet to disclose the financial details of this expansion.

Shark threats are not the only concern for beachgoers in NSW over the holiday period.

The risk of coastal drownings is notably higher, being 1.5 times more likely during school holidays, tripling on public holidays, and escalating even further on Australia Day, making the upcoming weekend a significant worry.

It’s important to note that drownings in Australia result in far more fatalities each year compared to shark attacks.

More than 350 people drowned in Australian waterways between July 1, 2024 and June 30, 2025.

In the same period, just four people were killed by sharks.

Sydney is forecast for hot, sunny conditions over the weekend and lifeguards will be on high alert as up to one million people flock to beaches across the state.

“With hot conditions forecast, we have a very simple message for anyone heading to the coast,” Surf Life Saving NSW chief executive Steven Pearce warned today.

“Enjoy the weekend but make sure that if you’re heading to the beach, visit a patrolled location and only swim between the red and yellow flags.”