Media Release - 11 March 2026

The NSW minister responsible for the state’s failing shark net program claimed a whale death off Wollongong’s coastline was due to it being “sick” despite an expertly-prepared necroscopy ruling otherwise.

Media Release - 12 November 2025

Greens Councillor Jess Whittaker has uncovered Wollongong Council was forced to cough up more than $44,000 to recover a nearly 5-tonne whale killed by a NSW Government-managed shark net off the city’s coast last month.

An answer to the Greens’ question on notice indicated that after the NSW Department of Primary Industries failed to secure and recover the deceased animal at sea, it drifted onto rocks at Scarborough, where it became the responsibility of the land manager.

“The responsibility for this horrific incident rests squarely with the NSW Government and the Agriculture Minister’s ineffective shark netting program,” said Whittaker, who is a long-time advocate against shark nets.

“The recovery of the deceased whale placed an immense toll on council staff and caused a work health and safety issue. In addition to this, Wollongong ratepayers are now expected to pick up the $44,043 bill for something the NSW Government mismanaged. It is pretty unreasonable.”

The Ward 1 councillor lauded the Wollongong Council staff who cleaned up the NSW Government’s mess despite being confronted by a dangerous operation.

“The whale could have been handled much more safely at sea when it was first discovered floating in the net,” Cr Whittaker said.

“Removing the animal from slippery rocks amongst the waves and other marine life, including Great White sharks, that had been attracted to the area made it a very challenging and dangerous operation.

“There is a touch of irony that in the end, shark nets, which are supposed to keep swimmers safe, in fact made the areas less safe with the closure of beaches up and down the coast for the week.

“There is strong evidence to suggest this happens on a smaller scale with bi-catch removed by contractors from shark nets, documented to have large bite marks in it when recovered from the nets.”

On Tuesday in NSW Parliament, Greens MLC Cate Faerhmann asked the Minister for Agriculture Tara Moriarty about a request from Wollongong Council to cover the bill, to which she indicated there was no offer to cover these costs.

Media Statement - 29 October 2025

Comments from Ward 1 Councillor Jess Whittaker on the deceased whale found in Coledale shark net on 28th Oct 2025:

"It was harrowing to see what happened to this magnificent creature off the Illawarra coast, and what makes it all the more heartbreaking is that it was completely preventable.

“Decades of evidence show shark nets are not effective. They are are public safety hazard and they are a hazard to wildlife.

“The nets are essentially loose fishing devices that entangle marine life indiscriminately. This whale is just the latest of thousands of animals, including dolphins, turtles and rays, to be caught up and killed by these outdated nets.

“The NSW government was about to trial removing shark nets at some beaches before the death of a surfer in Sydney. They put the trial on hold, and while the incident was tragic, the government's actions do not make sense, as the beach where this incident occurred had a shark net.

“Premier Chris Minns and Agriculture Minister Tara Moriarty need to step in and review the shark net program as well as invest in the state's SharkSmart program. We shouldn't wait until the end of the season when the impact of killer shark nets continues to plague our coasts.”

MEDIA RELEASE - 1 September 2025

Wollongong Ward 1 Greens councillor Jess Whittaker is calling for the $86.4 million dollar Sharksmart program fund to be redirected to non-lethal measures, after the NSW Government announced a “reduced” number of shark nets this season, to be redeployed from today.

Media Release 20 December 2024

Support for removing shark nets along the NSW coastline is growing with Sutherland Shire Council voting to oppose nets in an annual State government survey.

Greens candidate for Lord Mayor and Ward 1 Jess Whittaker is calling for a dedicated position in Council to encourage community gardens, crop swaps and urban farms to boost Wollongong’s resilience and development of local food systems.

Greens Candidate for Lord Mayor Jess Whittaker is calling on the State Labor Government to keep shark nets out of the water this summer.

Greens Candidate for Lord Mayor Jess Whittaker is ramping up calls for the State Government to remove shark nets from all Wollongong beaches before the 2024-2025 swimming season.

I’ve grown up in Bulli and I work here, while also juggling life with two wonderful children, a great husband, and struggling with the many cost of living difficulties that we experience every day.

I work as a paramedic and believe that a healthy lifestyle and the ability to get around your village or city easily is a great indicator of good health.

I'm passionate about ensuring that all people, whether they are tradies, teachers, police officers, paramedics, health care workers, are able to be close to where they work. Tackling affordable housing is an issue that we need to deal with right now.

Not only sustainable and affordable housing I'll work to create villages in the city where people get to know their neighbours and have the opportunity to enjoy a coastal lifestyle that’s resilient and can cope with the climate changes that are coming. 

Right now, we are at a point where we can embrace change and see great industries in renewable and sustainable industries. The creation of a skilled workforce in these areas can lead to a bright future.

What I'll be working for

As a Councillor I'm constantly listening to people throughout the city and working with them to build connected villages that are rich in culture and celebrate diversity. We must continue to build more footpaths, cycleways and shared paths, improve our bike network and make our pedestrian crossings safe for everyone. Imagine if every child could walk or cycle safely to their local school?

I feel that we need to invest in protecting and restoring our incredible beaches, waterways and forests as these are the reasons we all feel so connected to this Dharawal Land. 

If you want to get in touch, follow me at Jess on Facebook 

Thanks heaps, Jess Whittaker