Terri the seal at centre of 14-1 push to stop Terrigal shark nets

Central Coast councillors want a 2026 moratorium on shark nets and have urged the State Government to halt the planned 1 September installation at Terrigal Beach.

Council: Central Coast Council

Meeting: 25 and 31 August 2026


BRIEF

Central Coast Council has voted 14-1 to oppose the planned 1 September 2026 shark-net installation at Terrigal Beach, citing risks to marine life and the seal known as Terri. Councillors will seek a 2026 moratorium and propose a drone program and shark-listening device through Surf Life Saving New South Wales.


KEY FACTS

- Central Coast Council voted 14-1 to seek a moratorium on shark-net installation on the Central Coast in 2026.

- Installation at Terrigal Beach was scheduled to begin on 1 September 2026.

- The motion expressed concern that the seal known as Terri could face entanglement, injury or death.

- Council asked for an active drone program and shark-listening device through Surf Life Saving NSW.

- Cr Trent McWaide was the only councillor to vote against the motion.

- The council had previously been selected for a trial excluding one shark net at a Central Coast beach, but the trial was cancelled by the State Government in 2025.


SOURCES

https://docspublished.com.au/centralcoastcouncil/document/04efc7e0-fe50-4abe-8e5d-e2d30b2a6ee4

https://minutesradar.com/news/central-coast-infocouncil-ordinary-council-meeting-tuesday-25-august-2026-25-aug-2026-6-30-pm-minutes-terri-the-seal-at-centre-of-14-1-push-122464c1e8/


Prepared from public council minutes using automated drafting and checks. No meeting attendance or interviews are implied. Check the original record and seek comment before republishing claims or analysis. Illustrations are generic, not depictions of actual projects.