The New South Wales Government is scrambling in a bid to counter a major shark problem on the state’s far north coast. It comes after a spate of attacks at Ballina’s Lighthouse Beach.

Patrick Goddard reports.

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This is a shot of the 49th shark tagged off Lighthouse Beach this morning with the  image shared on Twitter.

17 year old surfer, Cooper Allen, is still recovering in Lismore Base Hospital after being bitten on the thigh on Monday.

Today New South Wales Primary Industries Minister Niall Blair, flew to Ballina to discuss implementing a shark mitigation strategy.

The most recent attack is just one of seven in area over the past nine months.

Queensland is offering its help.

Annastacia Palaszczuk, Qld Premier: “I’m happy to send our experts down to New South Whales. This is about helping a friend. Its about helping families and its about, above all its paramount is human safety”.

Drone surveillance and drumlines have been suggested as the most effective methods to minimise shark attacks.

But Locals are divided on what action should be taken.. Some don’t want to do anything to harm the sharks. Others  like former prime minister and keen surfer Tony Abott wants to introduce culling.

Patrick Goddard, QUT News.