BYRON MAYOR BACKS SHARK SPOTTERS

Byron Shire Mayor Simon Richardson has labelled the state government’s shark net trial along the coastline, a knee-jerk response.

“We shouldn’t be panicking and shouldn’t be reacting purely through emotion.”

“Tourists who come to Byron, come to Byron because it’s a place of difference. It’s a place which is very proud to say we want to coexist with our natural environment and we love it.”

Mayor Richardson believes the government should instead fund non-lethal shark spotting programs in the region.

Byron Shire beaches reopened early this morning, following yesterday’s attack on 36 year old Jade Fitzpatrick.

The incident at Broken Head, was the third along the stretch within a month.

(AUDIO IN PARTS)