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

Speaking on Thursday, Moriarty expressed her expectations, stating, “Hopefully, they will be open over the course of the long weekend. I expect that to be the case,” according to comments made to AAP.

She acknowledged the frustration caused by the temporary beach closures but emphasized that safety is the primary concern. “I understand that closed beaches can be frustrating, but it is for people’s safety,” she said.

Moriarty added that the state will continue collaborating with local councils, who are responsible for making decisions regarding the closure or reopening of beaches.

This week, New South Wales experienced a concerning spike in shark activity, with four attacks occurring within just 48 hours, three of which took place in the waters around Sydney.

Antic’s friends pulled him out of the water but he had sustained serious leg wounds and was raced to hospital.

He was taken to hospital in a critical condition. 

Rain can cause murky conditions and attract large numbers of baitfish to areas frequented by swimmers, increasing the chance of shark encounters.

“We get clusters of bites when conditions are suited for them to be feeding in the same areas as people, and so that’s like a perfect storm,” Emeritus Professor of Marine Ecology at Macquarie University Robert Harcourt previously told 9news.com.au.

Beachgoers are urged to monitor for updates regarding beach closures and shark sightings over the long weekend.

Experts have warned swimmers to avoid murky water, areas with lots of baitfish in the water, and swimming at dawn and dusk.

Moriarty also confirmed on Thursday that the NSW government is finalising an expanded shark management program in response to the recent string of attacks.

She did not reveal the cost of the expansion.

Sharks aren’t the only concern at NSW beaches over the long weekend either.

The coastal drowning risk is 1.5 times higher during school holidays, three times higher on public holidays, and even higher on Australia Day specifically, making this weekend particularly concerning.

Drownings also claim significantly more lives than shark attacks in Australia each year.

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.”